Overview
This lecture covered the details, legal principles, and outcomes of the famous Liebeck v. McDonald's coffee case, focusing on negligence, damages, and the difference between comparative and contributory negligence.
Zoom Session & Logistics
- Participation in Zoom is optional; sessions are recorded and shared via YouTube.
- Materials and handouts are available on Blackboard under the relevant folders.
Facts of the Liebeck v. McDonald's Case
- Stella Liebeck, a passenger in a parked car, spilled hot McDonald's coffee on herself.
- The coffee was served at 180-190°F, much hotter than home or office machines.
- Liebeck suffered third-degree burns requiring hospitalization, surgeries, and skin debridement.
Legal Issues & Process
- The case examined whether McDonald's served coffee at a "reasonably safe" temperature.
- Discovery revealed over 700 previous injury claims from McDonald's coffee temperature.
- McDonald’s admitted the temperature posed a burn risk and was not safe for immediate consumption.
Determining Responsibility
- The concept of allocating responsibility (negligence) was central.
- The jury found Liebeck 20% responsible (for spilling) and McDonald's 80% responsible (for excessive temperature).
Damages and Outcomes
- Compensatory damages (for medical bills, pain, and suffering) awarded: $200,000, reduced to $160,000 due to comparative negligence.
- Punitive damages (to punish and deter): jury awarded $2.7 million, judge reduced to $480,000.
- Actual amount paid unknown; case settled confidentially on appeal, likely close to medical costs.
Comparative vs. Contributory Negligence
- Comparative negligence: Plaintiff's damages are reduced by their percentage of fault; applies in 49 states.
- Contributory negligence: If plaintiff is at all negligent, they recover nothing; used only in Alabama.
Application for Exams
- Know not only the facts but also the legal reasoning and how to apply negligence principles in hypothetical situations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Negligence — failure to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another.
- Comparative Negligence — system where fault is shared; damages reduced by plaintiff's percentage of fault.
- Contributory Negligence — system where any fault by the plaintiff bars recovery.
- Compensatory Damages — money to compensate for actual loss or injury.
- Punitive Damages — money awarded to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct.
- Subrogation — insurance company's right to recover payments from awards to the insured.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read all handouts and PowerPoints on Blackboard, especially under the McDonald's case folder.
- Complete the student contract quiz on Blackboard by May 31 for extra credit.
- Be prepared to apply negligence concepts on future tests, not just recall facts.