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The Truth Behind the McDonalds Coffee Case

Written by: Allen Yi

Reputation Level 9

Posted about 2 years ago. 15 helpful votes, 1 comment

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What Most People Heard

I’m sure we all heard about the case where somebody spilled McDonalds’ coffee on themself and sued the establishment for millions of dollars because there was no warning on the cup. Some would say this is ridiculous and would be outraged if the Plaintiff was successful in getting any sort of compensation for such an incident. However, not many people actually know the truth behind this case. Did you know that...

What Most People Don't Know - [1] McDonalds' coffee is REALLY HOT

Usually coffee is served at approximately 130-140°F, whether it be from home or your friendly neighborhood coffee shop. However, in order to maintain optimal taste for their particular brand of coffee, McDonalds served their coffee at 180-190°F. That’s a 50°F difference, just so their coffee wouldn’t taste like … bad tasting coffee.

What Most People Don't Know - [2] REALLY HOT coffee burns you REALLY QUICKLY

A thermodynamics expert testified that any liquid at 180°F spilled on flesh will cause a full thickness burn in about 2-7 seconds. That's a 3° burn (Google what it looks like – I dare you) in less than the amount of time it generally takes me to remove my clothing.

What Most People Don't Know - [3] McDonalds COULD HAVE PREVENTED the accident

At about 155°F, the burn hazard would have been dramatically lowered; meaning after a spill, the liquid would have time to cool down to a safe temperature thus averting any serious injury. Or maybe McDonalds could have just purchased better coffee. Even a simple sign that specifically warns their customer about their special scalding hot coffee would have at least been helpful. But none of these things were done.

What Most People Don't Know - [4] McDonalds' own people advised against serving REALLY HOT coffee

McDonalds’s own safety inspector was aware that coffee served over 140°F was a burn hazard. He testified that the temperature which McDonalds was serving their coffee was in fact not fit for consumption because it would burn the mouth and throat of their customers. After being warned by their own expert, McDonalds chose to ignore this problem and refused to lower the holding temperature of their coffee. They chose to expose their customers to unnecessary risks.

What Most People Don't Know - [5] McDonalds knew that their customers would IMMEDIATELY CONSUME the REALLY HOT coffee

Furthermore, their own research shows that McDonalds knew that coffee bought from a drive-thru window would be consumed immediately in the vehicle.

What Most People Don't Know - [6] The Plaintiff was SEVERELY harmed

The plaintiff in question was a 60 year old lady. The coffee fell on her and she suffered 3° burns on her groin area that required extensive surgery; skin was grafted onto her inner thighs, buttocks, and genitals. She was hospitalized for 8 days and underwent extensive rehabilitation.

What Most People Don't Know - [7] McDonalds had LOTS of prior complaints about their REALLY HOT coffee

McDonalds knew that people were being burned by their coffee. Prior to the lawsuit, there were 700 (SEVEN HUNDRED!) claims made against McDonalds, and yet they did nothing to protect their customers – not even a warning about their special scalding hot coffee was added to their cups.

What Most People Don't Know - [8] The Court felt that McDonalds behavior DESERVES PUNISHMENT

McDonalds’s conduct was held by the Court to be reckless, callous and willful. Punitive damages were awarded against McDonalds in excess of millions, but was later reduced. McDonalds tied up the lawsuit with various appeals and then there was a confidential settlement between the parties. At the beginning, the plaintiff would have settled the case at $20,000, but McDonalds refused.

Spread the Word

Do you still feel that the lawsuit was outrageous and/or unjustified? Tell your friends, tell your family, and share this knowledge and some sympathy for those who have been injured. Do ridiculous lawsuits exist? Yes. Maybe there are a few bad apples floating around in our legal system, but don't let them spoil the bunch. There are many injured Plaintiffs that need the public's support.