McDonald’s Hot Coffee case, Liebeckv. McDonald’s,
Stella Liebeck has often been maligned as a foolish and greedy plaintiff for suing because she was burned by the hot coffee from McDonalds. After all, doesn’teveryone know that hot coffee can burn you? But there are many facts in this case that you may not have heard.
Review the facts of this famous case. You are encouraged to use Google to search out more details, including images, before you comment on it. Post your answers to each of the three (3) ethics questions asked after the case.
McDonald’s case details
Your answers to the questions should be based on the facts and evidence you find, including:
What were the circumstances of the accident? How did it occur?
In what way was either the plaintiff or defendant negligent?
How does the doctrine of comparative negligence apply?
What was the temperature of the coffee served? What is the industry standard temperature?
What were the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries?
Was there any disfigurement? Any disabilities?
Did the jury award the plaintiff compensatory damages? How much?
Did the jury award the plaintiff punitive damages? How much?
After the appeal was filed, what was the final outcome?