Sued for too hot coffee
Discussion
Officer in 'Murica suing starbucks for a burnt crotch leading to a Krohns flare up.
Sorry but i would throw that out of court if i was judge.
it sounds like the officer was careless to me
http://abcnews.go.com/US/cop-suing-starbucks-coffe...
Sorry but i would throw that out of court if i was judge.
it sounds like the officer was careless to me
http://abcnews.go.com/US/cop-suing-starbucks-coffe...
Before we all judge, just a reminded of the case in the US of a woman who sued McDonalds over hot coffee. People judged very similarly to those so far in this thread but if you actually research the case you'll find itis one of the most misunderstood cases in American jurisprudence.
Many people think that the woman spilled hot coffee, got burned a bit, then sued McDonalds in an attempt to get a huge payday. They cite it as an example of their legal system gone awry.
Here's what actually happened:
- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
- McDonalds franchises had a long history of customers suffering burns from their coffee.
- Mrs. Liebeck suffered intense burns from the coffee. She suffered significant third-degree burns and required skin grafts.
- All she wanted was for McDonalds to pay $20k cover her medical expenses, lost income, etc.
- McDonalds offered $800. And refused all attempts to settle the case before trial.
- After the jury awarded damages, the final amount was eventually reduced to $160k + $480k. McDonalds then settled the case.
The judge said that he'd have awarded Mrs. Liebeck more if he could, given McDonalds attitude toward her.
Here's a pic of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/... . I think we'll all agree this is not of the magnitude you'd expect from spilling warm/hot coffee on you.
EDIT: PIC IS NSFW. Sorry for not warning!
Many people think that the woman spilled hot coffee, got burned a bit, then sued McDonalds in an attempt to get a huge payday. They cite it as an example of their legal system gone awry.
Here's what actually happened:
- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
- McDonalds franchises had a long history of customers suffering burns from their coffee.
- Mrs. Liebeck suffered intense burns from the coffee. She suffered significant third-degree burns and required skin grafts.
- All she wanted was for McDonalds to pay $20k cover her medical expenses, lost income, etc.
- McDonalds offered $800. And refused all attempts to settle the case before trial.
- After the jury awarded damages, the final amount was eventually reduced to $160k + $480k. McDonalds then settled the case.
The judge said that he'd have awarded Mrs. Liebeck more if he could, given McDonalds attitude toward her.
Here's a pic of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/... . I think we'll all agree this is not of the magnitude you'd expect from spilling warm/hot coffee on you.
EDIT: PIC IS NSFW. Sorry for not warning!
Edited by Freddy88FM on Thursday 7th May 11:42
Freddy88FM said:
Here are some pics of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/...
Holy foo-foo 
Freddy88FM said:
Before we all judge, just a reminded of the case in the US of a woman who sued McDonalds over hot coffee. People judged very similarly to those so far in this thread but if you actually research the case you'll find itis one of the most misunderstood cases in American jurisprudence.
Many people think that the woman spilled hot coffee, got burned a bit, then sued McDonalds in an attempt to get a huge payday. They cite it as an example of their legal system gone awry.
Here's what actually happened:
- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
- McDonalds franchises had a long history of customers suffering burns from their coffee.
- Mrs. Liebeck suffered intense burns from the coffee. She suffered significant third-degree burns and required skin grafts.
- All she wanted was for McDonalds to pay $20k cover her medical expenses, lost income, etc.
- McDonalds offered $800. And refused all attempts to settle the case before trial.
- After the jury awarded damages, the final amount was eventually reduced to $160k + $480k. McDonalds then settled the case.
The judge said that he'd have awarded Mrs. Liebeck more if she'd ask given McDonalds attitude to the case.
Here are some pics of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/...
Thanks for the picture link Many people think that the woman spilled hot coffee, got burned a bit, then sued McDonalds in an attempt to get a huge payday. They cite it as an example of their legal system gone awry.
Here's what actually happened:
- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
- McDonalds franchises had a long history of customers suffering burns from their coffee.
- Mrs. Liebeck suffered intense burns from the coffee. She suffered significant third-degree burns and required skin grafts.
- All she wanted was for McDonalds to pay $20k cover her medical expenses, lost income, etc.
- McDonalds offered $800. And refused all attempts to settle the case before trial.
- After the jury awarded damages, the final amount was eventually reduced to $160k + $480k. McDonalds then settled the case.
The judge said that he'd have awarded Mrs. Liebeck more if she'd ask given McDonalds attitude to the case.
Here are some pics of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/...
I find that the 'super heated coffee' bullett to be absolutely ridiculous.
85^C super heated meeehhhh, when I boil (100°C) my kettle and pour the water onto my crappy English coffee powder am I acheiving super dooper heated water status ?
garyhun said:
Freddy88FM said:
Here are some pics of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/...
Holy foo-foo so called said:
Thanks for the picture link
I find that the 'super heated coffee' to be absolutely ridiculous.
85^C super heated meeehhhh, when I boil (100°C) my kettle and pour the water onto my crappy English coffee powder am I acheiving super dooper heated water status ?
Haha, I'd like one of you super dooper coffees please!I find that the 'super heated coffee' to be absolutely ridiculous.
85^C super heated meeehhhh, when I boil (100°C) my kettle and pour the water onto my crappy English coffee powder am I acheiving super dooper heated water status ?
Jokes aside, by the time the kettle has switched off, you've poured the coffee in to your non insulating topless mug, then taken your first sip... your coffee is probably significantly cooler than 85 degrees. The cooling curve ( http://www.duncanwil.co.uk/jpg%20files/areacurva.j... ) decays exponentially if you leave the water in the kettle... moving it around will only speed things up.
The problem here was the insulated, capped coffee cup and the delivery system being maximised to maintain temperature.
Edited by Freddy88FM on Thursday 7th May 11:44
Freddy88FM said:
The cooling curve ( http://www.duncanwil.co.uk/jpg%20files/areacurva.j... ) decays exponentially if you leave the water in the kettle... .
whilst your point is valid and the exponential aspect of the curve may be true, any values (temp/time) will depend on the shape and material that the container is.Unless this graph is calibrated for a standard kettle (metal or plastic?) the obvious inferences that may be drawn, such as within a minute its down to 70deg, are probably erroneous.
balls-out said:
whilst the exponential aspect of the curve may be true, any values (temp/time) will depend on the shape and material that the container is.
Unless this graph is calibrated for a standard kettle (metal or plastic?) the obvious inferences that may be drawn, such as within a minute its down to 70deg, are probably erroneous.
That curve is fairly consistent with the results I got for my kettle (which is admitted pretty old and inefficient), that's why I linked to it. I bought an electric thermometer and it seemed the perfect way to test it. At least... my inner nerd thought so!Unless this graph is calibrated for a standard kettle (metal or plastic?) the obvious inferences that may be drawn, such as within a minute its down to 70deg, are probably erroneous.
But yes, agreed.
garyhun said:
Freddy88FM said:
Here are some pics of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/...
Holy foo-foo That. Is. Gruesome.
Freddy88FM said:
Here's what actually happened:
- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
Erm, what? Why is 85degC classed as superheated?- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
Freddy88FM said:
Before we all judge, just a reminded of the case in the US of a woman who sued McDonalds over hot coffee. People judged very similarly to those so far in this thread but if you actually research the case you'll find itis one of the most misunderstood cases in American jurisprudence.
Many people think that the woman spilled hot coffee, got burned a bit, then sued McDonalds in an attempt to get a huge payday. They cite it as an example of their legal system gone awry.
Here's what actually happened:
- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
- McDonalds franchises had a long history of customers suffering burns from their coffee.
- Mrs. Liebeck suffered intense burns from the coffee. She suffered significant third-degree burns and required skin grafts.
- All she wanted was for McDonalds to pay $20k cover her medical expenses, lost income, etc.
- McDonalds offered $800. And refused all attempts to settle the case before trial.
- After the jury awarded damages, the final amount was eventually reduced to $160k + $480k. McDonalds then settled the case.
The judge said that he'd have awarded Mrs. Liebeck more if he could, given McDonalds attitude toward her.
Here's a pic of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/... . I think we'll all agree this is not of the magnitude you'd expect from spilling warm/hot coffee on you.
EDIT: PIC IS NSFW. Sorry for not warning!
That looks like way more of an injury than I would expect unless a boiling kettle was poured directly onto bare skin, as a side note she seriously needs to do a bit of walking or some other leg exercise.Many people think that the woman spilled hot coffee, got burned a bit, then sued McDonalds in an attempt to get a huge payday. They cite it as an example of their legal system gone awry.
Here's what actually happened:
- There was evidence that McDonalds required franchises to superheat the coffee (185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees celsius). My understanding is that McDonalds liked this practice because it enabled the smell to carry further.
- Most restaurants don't heat it that high. One reason is because coffee at that temperature an cause third-degree burns in seconds. Remember, boiling water is only 100 degrees celsius.
- McDonalds franchises had a long history of customers suffering burns from their coffee.
- Mrs. Liebeck suffered intense burns from the coffee. She suffered significant third-degree burns and required skin grafts.
- All she wanted was for McDonalds to pay $20k cover her medical expenses, lost income, etc.
- McDonalds offered $800. And refused all attempts to settle the case before trial.
- After the jury awarded damages, the final amount was eventually reduced to $160k + $480k. McDonalds then settled the case.
The judge said that he'd have awarded Mrs. Liebeck more if he could, given McDonalds attitude toward her.
Here's a pic of the injuries she sustained: https://harmfuldruginfocenter.files.wordpress.com/... . I think we'll all agree this is not of the magnitude you'd expect from spilling warm/hot coffee on you.
EDIT: PIC IS NSFW. Sorry for not warning!
Edited by Freddy88FM on Thursday 7th May 11:42
J4CKO said:
That looks like way more of an injury than I would expect unless a boiling kettle was poured directly onto bare skin, as a side note she seriously needs to do a bit of walking or some other leg exercise.
Yeah, though given she was 79 at the time... maybe we can let her off leg day... haha!Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff