Today's video is a Retro Report from PBS on Stella Liebeck, a 79 year old woman was burned when a cup of McDonald’s coffee spilled into her lap. Her injuries resulted in a hospital stay and more than $10,000 in medical bills. Liebeck asked McDonald’s for help with her medical bills, and when McDonald's only offered $800, she hired a lawyer, filed a lawsuit and won. A jury awarded her $2.8 million in damages.
Liebeck was ridiculed as a little old lady who spilled coffee on herself and walked away with millions. The story was recounted in news reports, became comedy material on late night talk shows and television sitcoms, even 30 years later is still recounted as a prime example of America's "sue happy" culture.
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Feeling generous? Say thank you with a cup of reasonably heated coffee.
Media Credits:
Producer: Bonnie Bertram Editors: David Feinberg and Sandrine Isambert
© 2019, Retro Report, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Shared with permission.