Stella Liebeck v. McDonald's Corporation
Published: Sep. 3, 1994 | Result Date: Aug. 17, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV932419 – $2,900,000
Judge
Court
Bernalillo County District
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Lila F. Laux Ph.D.
(technical)
Charles R. Baxter
(medical)
Kenneth R. Diller
(technical)
Defendant
Turner Osler
(medical)
P. Robert Knaff
(technical)
Facts
On February 27, 1992, Plaintiff Stella Liebeck purchased a cup of coffee at a Defendant McDonald's Corporation restaurant located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was sitting in an automobile and put the cup of coffee between her knees while she removed the cap. The coffee spilled, and she sustained burns.
Settlement Discussions
Plaintiff contends she demanded $300,000 and Defendant offered nothing.
Specials in Evidence
$10,000 contingent
Injuries
Second and third degree burns to the thighs, perineum, and buttocks requiring debridement, recovery, and skin graft surgeries; future revision surgery may be required.
Result
The jury awarded $200,000 compensatory damages (reduced to $160,000 by 20% comparative fault); and $2,700,000 in punitive damages.
Deliberation
4 hours
Poll
unanimous
Length
6.5 days
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390