Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants

Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants

The McDonald's logo.

Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants was a highly publicized product liability lawsuit filed in 1994 by Stella Liebeck against McDonald's Corporation. The case became synonymous with frivolous lawsuits and garnered significant media attention. The lawsuit centered around a hot coffee spill incident that resulted in severe burns and raised questions about the responsibility of corporations in providing safe products.

Background

In 1992, Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, purchased a cup of coffee from a McDonald's drive-thru in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While attempting to add cream and sugar to her coffee, Liebeck accidentally spilled the hot beverage on her lap, causing significant burns and injuries. The coffee was reportedly served at a temperature of approximately 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit (82-88 degrees Celsius).

Lawsuit and Trial

Liebeck sued McDonald's, alleging that the company's coffee was unreasonably hot and caused her injuries. During the trial, Liebeck's legal team argued that McDonald's was aware of previous incidents involving hot coffee burns but had failed to take adequate measures to prevent such accidents.

The case received attention due to the significant damages sought by Liebeck, which included compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The jury ultimately awarded Liebeck $200,000 in compensatory damages, which was reduced to $160,000 due to a finding of comparative negligence. The jury also awarded $2.7 million in punitive damages, intended to punish McDonald's for its conduct. However, the judge later reduced the punitive damages to $480,000.

Impact and Controversy

Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants sparked a heated public debate and became a focal point for discussions on tort reform and personal responsibility. The case was often misrepresented in the media as an example of excessive litigation and frivolous lawsuits. However, supporters of Liebeck argued that the incident highlighted issues related to corporate responsibility and product safety.

The case prompted McDonald's to revise its coffee preparation and serving practices, including reducing the temperature of their coffee. Additionally, it raised awareness about the potential dangers of hot beverages and led to cautionary labels on coffee cups, warning consumers about the contents being hot.

References

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