McDonalds Coffee LawsuitMcDonalds Coffee Lawsuit: Can Coffee be Defective?Attorneys for Ms. Liebeck alleged that McDonald’s served its coffee much hotter than necessary, and at higher temperatures than any other restaurant. They stated that under the law, McDonald’s must be held responsible for manufacturing and selling a “defective” and dangerous product. Ms. Liebeck originally attempted to settle the case for actual medical expenses of $13,000, lost income of $5,000, and an additional $2,000 for miscellaneous costs. McDonald’s refused this offer, agreeing to a maximum payout of only $800. Once Ms. Liebeck brought lawyers into the picture, they filed suit against the company for gross negligence. They continued attempts to settle out of court, with offers of $90,000 at first, then $300,000 before the trial began. McDonald’s refused all of these, even when a mediator got involved. However, when the jury heard that McDonald’s policies required coffee to be sold at a minimum of 180 degrees, they were shocked. Liquids at this temperature can give skin third-degree burns in a mere two seconds of contact. In addition, evidence was produced indicating the company was aware of the danger. Some seven hundred other customers had complained of coffee-related burns. The jury in the McDonalds Coffee Lawsuit evaluated the case and determined that while Ms. Liebeck might have been 20% percent responsible for her own injury, McDonald’s contributed 80% of the factors that resulted in her burns. They awarded $160,000 to compensate for actual damages, and $2.7 million as punishment for the negligence. 
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