Do you remember the McDonald’s “hot coffee case” over a decade ago? If so, you likely remember that a woman won a multi-million dollar verdict from McDonald’s for a spilled cup of coffee. If that is all you remember, then the tort reform advocates are probably smiling. What is no laughing matter, however, were Stella Liebeck’s injuries in the hot coffee case. After the coffee spilled on Ms. Liebeck, she suffered third-degree burns and endured multiple operations, including skin grafts.
Moreover, evidence showed that McDonald’s received over 700 complaints from other customers burned by their coffee. At the time, it was McDonald’s policy to serve their coffee at 180 degrees Fahrenheit to cut down on customer refills. These are facts that tort reform advocates do not want you to remember.
Now, the Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) is attempting to discredit Ms. Liebeck and her lawsuit. The ILR is a creation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a private entity with the purpose of protecting business interests by advancing tort reform in America’s legal system. The ILR, and other tort reform organizations, want to limit injured people’s access to the courts when they suffer harm at the hands of negligent and careless corporations
If you suffer harm at the hands of a corporation, an access to the courts is your right. Contact our office to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We look forward to helping you.