15 Facts About Stella Liebeck Burns

The Infamous Coffee Spill

Stella Liebeck's name became synonymous with one of the most talked-about lawsuits in American history. Her case against McDonald's sparked debates about corporate responsibility and consumer safety.

1. In 1992, Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, spilled hot coffee on herself after purchasing it from a McDonald's drive-thru in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

2. The coffee was served at a temperature between 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly hotter than home-brewed coffee, which is typically served at 135-140 degrees.

3. Liebeck was not driving when the spill occurred. She was in the passenger seat of her grandson's car, which was parked so she could add cream and sugar to her coffee.

The Severity of the Burns

The injuries Stella Liebeck sustained were far more severe than most people realize. The extent of her burns played a crucial role in the lawsuit.

4. The coffee spill caused third-degree burns on Liebeck's thighs, buttocks, and groin, covering 16% of her body.

5. Liebeck was hospitalized for eight days, during which she underwent skin grafting and other painful treatments.

6. Her medical expenses amounted to over $10,000, and she required additional care and treatment for years following the incident.

The Lawsuit and Trial

The legal battle between Stella Liebeck and McDonald's highlighted issues of corporate negligence and consumer safety.

7. Initially, Liebeck sought $20,000 from McDonald's to cover her medical expenses and lost income. McDonald's offered her $800.

8. The case went to trial in 1994, where the jury found McDonald's 80% responsible for the incident and Liebeck 20% responsible.

9. The jury awarded Liebeck $200,000 in compensatory damages, which was reduced to $160,000 due to her partial responsibility.

The Punitive Damages

The punitive damages awarded in the case were a significant point of contention and led to widespread public debate.

10. The jury also awarded Liebeck $2.7 million in punitive damages, equivalent to two days' worth of McDonald's coffee sales.

11. The judge later reduced the punitive damages to $480,000, bringing the total award to $640,000.

12. The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, believed to be less than $600,000.

Public Perception and Misconceptions

The Stella Liebeck case has been widely misunderstood and misrepresented in the media and popular culture.

13. Many people mistakenly believe Liebeck was driving when the spill occurred, leading to misconceptions about her responsibility.

14. The case has often been cited as an example of frivolous lawsuits, despite the severity of Liebeck's injuries and the jury's findings of corporate negligence.

15. The incident led to changes in how McDonald's and other fast-food chains serve their coffee, including lowering the temperature and adding warning labels to cups.

The Legacy of Stella Liebeck's Case

Stella Liebeck's story isn't just about a hot coffee spill. It highlights the importance of consumer safety and corporate responsibility. Her case led to changes in how companies handle product warnings and customer complaints. It also sparked debates about tort reform and frivolous lawsuits. People often misunderstand the details, but her experience serves as a reminder to look deeper into headlines. The McDonald's coffee case remains a significant example of how a single incident can lead to widespread change. Understanding the facts helps us appreciate the complexities of legal battles and consumer rights. Stella Liebeck's legacy continues to influence discussions on safety standards and corporate accountability. Next time you hear about a lawsuit, remember her story and consider the broader implications.