Notes on the McDonald's Hot Coffee Case

Overview

• An elderly woman named Stella Liebeck was involved in a widely publicized lawsuit against McDonald's after suffering severe burns from their coffee.
• The case became infamous and often cited in discussions about legal reform and frivolous lawsuits.
• There are many misconceptions about the details of the case.

Incident Details

• Date: February 27, 1992
• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Victim: Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old widow
• Injury: Liebeck suffered third-degree burns over 6% of her body after spilling McDonald's coffee in her lap.
• Immediate Action: Taken to the emergency room; incurred medical bills amounting to $10,000.

Legal Proceedings

• Initial Settlement Offer: McDonald’s offered only $800.
• Trial: Represented by attorney Ken Wagner.
  • Arguments: Coffee was unreasonably hot and dangerous.
  • McDonald's Defense: Claimed infrequency of burns and customer preference for hot coffee.
  • Burn Statistics: Evidence showed nearly 700 people had been burned by McDonald's coffee between 1983 and 1992.

Jury Verdict

• Awarded $200,000 in compensatory damages (reduced to $160,000 due to shared responsibility).
• Awarded $2.7 million in punitive damages (based on two days of coffee revenue).
• Judge later reduced the total award to about $650,000.
• The case was later settled for less than $500,000.

Media & Public Perception

• The case led to a media frenzy, often misrepresenting the facts.
• Public narrative simplified the story, often blaming Liebeck for her own injuries.
• Used as a prime example in arguments for tort reform.
• Despite legal outcomes, Liebeck was often portrayed negatively.

Impact and Legacy

• The case became a cultural reference point and influenced public opinions on legal and corporate responsibility.
• McDonald's eventually reduced the coffee temperature by 10°.
• The case is now used as a litmus test in jury selections to gauge potential biases.

Personal Impact

• Stella Liebeck passed away in 2004 at the age of 91.
• Her family continues to grapple with the case's public perception.

Conclusion

• The McDonald's coffee case highlights the complexities of public perception versus fact and the power of narrative in shaping legal discourse.
• It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the full context before forming opinions on legal matters.