The First “Hot Coffee” Case

Stella Liebeck ordered a piping hot McDonald’s coffee in 1992 through the drive-thru and set the coffee cup in her lap to remove the lid. The contents of the cup spilled onto her lap and the fabric of her pants trapped the hot liquid against her skin, causing critical third-degree burns over 6% of her body. Coffee at home is typically brewed at about 135-140 degrees; however, McDonald’s serves their coffee at a scalding 180-190 degrees so that it has a longer shelf life. Liebeck stayed in the hospital for eight days, during which she received debridement and skin grafts.

The media’s failure to report the true nature of Liebeck’s injuries caused a sensation, because the general public couldn’t believe that a woman could possibly receive a multi-million dollar settlement after spilling a little coffee on her lap. The media coverage did not report on the severity of the injuries, nor did they report that Liebeck originally desired just a $20,000 settlement, which McDonald’s refused.

Are People Still Being Injured?

McDonald’s put a warning on all of their coffee cups about the coffee being hot, but one might think that the high punitive damages in the Liebeck case would make the company think twice about serving coffee that was dangerously hot. In 2013, California resident Joan Fino was injured in the same way as Liebeck — the coffee cup was placed in her lap and spilled, burning her groin area significantly. Surprisingly, after the Liebeck lawsuit, McDonald’s only reduced the temperature of their coffee 10 degrees.

Why?

Fino’s lawyer, Nicolas Wager, has an idea. He suggests to the Huffington Post that: “They are saving more in production costs in brewing coffee and serving at such high temperature than it costs them to settle the cases with these people who have been injured.”

When a company knowingly serves products that have been proven dangerous and pays out injury claims without a second thought, because they save more money that way than they do by changing the way their products are served, settlements in the multi-million dollar range seem a lot less frivolous.

Were You Hurt by a Dangerous or Defective Product? Call an Attorney Now

People are harmed by dangerous or defective products often. If you or someone you love were injured by such a product, the designer, manufacturer, or distributor of the product should be held responsible for their carelessness or negligence. At Chalker Injury Law, we can assist you in getting the restitution you need for your medical costs and help stop negligent practices by corporations and companies. Call now for a consultation at (678) 319-9991.

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Let’s explore the five main reasons why hiring specialized legal help becomes crucial when defective products cause serious harm.

1. Proving Product Defects Requires Expert Knowledge

Determining what went wrong with a dangerous product requires serious technical expertise that the average person lacks. Your attorney will work with engineers, medical experts, and industry specialists to build your case.

A product liability personal injury attorney understands how to gather crucial evidence before it disappears. Companies often destroy defective products quickly to avoid lawsuits. Your lawyer will send preservation letters immediately and collect samples for testing. This technical expertise makes the difference between winning and losing your case.

2. Companies Have Teams of Lawyers Fighting Against You

Big corporations spend millions on legal teams whose sole purpose is to deny injury claims. They know exactly how to make you feel like the accident was your fault. These companies may claim that you misused their product or disregarded safety warnings.

An attorney for product liability levels the playing field against corporate legal teams. Your lawyer knows their tactics and won’t let them intimidate you. You can spend your time getting better while your lawyer deals with all the phone calls and paperwork from the company.

3. Product Liability Laws Are Complicated and State-Specific

Georgia’s product liability laws differ significantly from those of other states. Strict liability rules, comparative fault standards, and damage caps all affect your case outcome. Missing deadlines or filing paperwork incorrectly can destroy your chances of recovery.

A product liability attorney in Atlanta stays current on all legal changes and court decisions. They know which courts favor injury victims and which judges are more likely to understand these complex cases. Knowing the local courts and judges can put more money in your pocket at the end of your case.

4. Multiple Parties May Share Responsibility

Product injury cases often involve multiple defendants who share some degree of blame. The manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and parts suppliers might each be liable for your damages. Going after just one company limits your recovery options.

Product liability attorneys know how to identify every responsible party in the supply chain. They’ll investigate the entire product history from design to sale. Having multiple defendants means more insurance coverage available to pay your claim.

5. Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim Value

Insurance companies use every trick to reduce the amount they pay to injured victims. They’ll rush you into accepting quick settlements before you fully understand your damages. Many people don’t realize their injuries will need ongoing treatment for years.

Product liability attorneys who handle these cases know how to add up everything you’ve lost, including doctor bills down the road, money you can’t earn anymore, and the physical pain you’re going through. They stop insurance people from taking advantage of you when you’re hurt and vulnerable. Your lawyer makes sure you get paid for everything that happened to you, not just the hospital costs from right after the accident.

Don’t Let Companies Get Away with Dangerous Products

Understanding when you need specialized legal representation can significantly impact your recovery process. Product liability cases present unique challenges that require an individual who regularly handles these situations.

Don’t let a defective product destroy your family’s financial security. Each product liability attorney at Chalker Injury Law understands exactly what your case is worth and won’t settle for less. We have helped countless families recover from devastating product injuries. We handle every aspect of your legal battle, allowing you to focus on your recovery. 

Don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Call us at (678) 319-9991 and talk to our experienced team today to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

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