In February 1992, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck spilled a hot cup of coffee onto her lap in Albuquerque when her grandson dropped her off at a local McDonald's drive-thru. The lady was hospitalized, and doctors diagnosed her with third-degree burns.
Liebeck later sued the company, demanding $20K in medical expenses and emotional distress. McDonald's, however, was only willing to compensate her for $800. During the trial, the victim's lawyers proved that the restaurant staff kept the coffee too hot and increased their demands.
The jury's verdict was stunning: Liebeck was awarded $160K in medical expenses and $2.7M in emotional distress. She later reached an undisclosed settlement with the company, but her story nonetheless became legendary.
Liebeck later sued the company, demanding $20K in medical expenses and emotional distress. McDonald's, however, was only willing to compensate her for $800. During the trial, the victim's lawyers proved that the restaurant staff kept the coffee too hot and increased their demands.
The jury's verdict was stunning: Liebeck was awarded $160K in medical expenses and $2.7M in emotional distress. She later reached an undisclosed settlement with the company, but her story nonetheless became legendary.