The truth behind the famous McDonald’s Coffee Case

The truth behind the famous McDonald’s Coffee Case

By Eric M. Doroshow, Esquire

August 19, 2008

In the last few years, we have been bombarded with radio and TV ads based on misinformation. They talk about a woman who got a million dollars from McDonald’s “because her coffee was too hot”. Here are some of the many facts in the McDonald’s case they leave out:

The victim suffered third-degree burns over 6% of her body, requiring extensive and painful treatment. McDonald’s served its coffee at near boiling temperatures, much hotter than other restaurants do. At trial, McDonald’s admitted that its coffee, as sold, was not fit for consumption because “it would cause severe scalds if spilled or drunk”. Even though more than 700 people (including infants) had been burned by its coffee in the previous 10 years, McDonald’s said it had decided not to take precautions or warn its customers because the burns were “statistically insignificant” compared to McDonald’s coffee sales.

The jury found both the victim and McDonald’s at fault, and the damages were reduced accordingly. The final settlement was undisclosed, but it’s a safe bet that it was only a small fraction of the amounts mentioned in the ads.

If you or your loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you will need a Delaware personal injury attorney to review your case. We offer a free initial consultation. Contact us today