McDonald’s Mystery: The Dark History and Forgotten Legacy Of Everyone’s Beloved Burger Joint
One Of McDonald’s Biggest Scandals: The Case Of Scalding Hot Coffee
The Liebeck v. McDonald’s case is one of America’s most misunderstood legal stories. In 1992, Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns after spilling McDonald’s coffee on herself. Contrary to the “frivolous lawsuit” narrative, Liebeck required eight days in the hospital for skin grafts. McDonald’s had prior complaints about their coffee’s extreme heat—30 to 40 degrees hotter than competitors—and knew of 700 prior burn cases.
Initially offered just $800 in compensation, Liebeck eventually won $160K in reduced compensatory damages and $480K in reduced punitive damages. The two parties later settled for an undisclosed amount, but the media unfairly vilified Liebeck, distorting public perception.
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