6/30/2023 0 Comments Stella liebeckTo be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. ![]() As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. ![]() She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. Contact us today at (202) 955-4529 for a free case evaluation. If you or a loved one has been the victim of negligence or wrongful conduct, then the experienced attorneys at Cohen & Cohen can help get you the compensation you deserve. HBO released a documentary about tort reform titled Hot Coffee, which covered much of the case. Many think that it was frivolous and excessive, but others say that it was meaningful litigation, and a story about holding corporations liable for their negligence. McDonald’s is an important case in tort history. Liebeck sustained her injuries dropped to 158 degrees. McDonad’s appealed the verdict, and the two parties settled for an undisclosed amount.Īn investigation after the case settled found that the average temperature of coffee at the Albuquerque McDonald’s where Mrs. Punitive damages were $2.9 million (the equivalent of two days worth of coffee sales for McDonald’s). Their verdict was compensatory damages for $160,000, reduced from $200,000. One juror said that “it made me come home and tell my wife and daughters drink coffee in the car” and that the case was about “callous disregard for the safety of the people.”Īfter arguments concluded, the jurors found Mrs. It was at this point jurors started taking the matter seriously. Liebeck’s seven days in the hospital, and showed photographs of her burns. Appleton explained that McDonald’s decided not to warn its customers about the possibility of severe burns, had not consulted burn experts in regards to the burns, and did not intend to change its coffee preparation procedures. Morgan called Christopher Appleton, a McDonald’s executive, to testify. Morgan showed that McDonald’s had received at least 700 reports of its coffee causing burns. Morgan presented his case, public opinion began to change. But at 160 degrees, it takes 20 seconds to produce a third-degree burn, which is more than enough time for a person to wipe the coffee of their clothes and or skin.Īt first, public perception was with McDonald’s. At 180 degrees, it takes 12 to 15 seconds. At 190 degrees, it takes fewer than three seconds to produce a third-degree burn. Morgan called forth a doctor who argued that lowering the serving temperature to 160 degrees would have been instrumental. Coffee and Starbucks testified on behalf of McDonald’s, arguing that industry settings may be too low and that “coffee is a traditionally hot beverage and I would hope that this is an isolated incident.” After, it is held between 180 and 190 degrees for ideal taste. The corporation requires that its coffee be prepared at 195 to 205 degrees. Morgan argued that the coffee McDonald’s was serving was defective due to its high temperature. Morgan exchanged several settlement offers, but could not agree on a number. ![]() Liebeck then hired Texas attorney Reed Morgan, who had represented other victims of McDonald’s negligence. ![]() Liebeck asked McDonald’s to cover her medical treatment – $20,000. She underwent skin graft surgery, and had disabilities for the remainder of her life. Ms Liebeck suffered third degree burns and was hospitalized for seven days. She and her grandson pulled into a parking spot to allow her to pour cream and sugar into the coffee cup.While removing the lid, the coffee spilled onto her lap. In 1992, Stella Liebeck, a 79 year-old woman, ordered coffee at a McDonald’s drive-through in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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