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The term ‘structured settlement’ might instantly trigger images of complex legal proceedings. However, only some imagine these settlements might be linked to something as commonplace as your daily cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Yet, numerous high-profile lawsuits involving scorching liquid mishaps have led to such settlements.
This blog will take you on a journey from coffee to hot chocolate, exploring notorious lawsuits that have changed how we view and handle our favorite hot beverages. Each case reveals unique insights into how structured settlements affect individuals and broader society.
The history of hot beverage lawsuits begins with a well-known case in 1992, which catalyzed a wave of similar cases. The incident involved a woman who suffered third-degree burns from a cup of coffee purchased from a fast-food giant. Her injuries and the subsequent trial sparked a worldwide debate on the responsibilities of food and drink providers.
This landmark case opened the floodgates for similar incidents, revealing an unexpected peril in our daily lives. Suddenly, the threat was not just from high-stakes situations but from mundane, everyday activities. The world started to see the potential danger that lurked within every cup of steaming hot coffee or hot chocolate.
Now, you might wonder how structured settlements fit into the picture of hot beverage lawsuits. When a victim suffers severe burns or injuries from a scalding hot beverage, the repercussions can be long-lasting, often involving extensive medical treatment and care.
In these cases, a structured settlement can provide the financial support needed over time rather than a single lump sum.
As we dive into notable hot beverage lawsuits, it’s striking to see how each incident, from coffee to hot chocolate, has unique factors influencing the lawsuit and its outcome. Some cases involve neglect on the part of the server, others point to inadequate warnings about the beverage’s temperature, and some even highlight design flaws in the cup or container itself.
These cases not only highlight the individual trauma of the victims but also expose systemic issues in the food and beverage industry. They shed light on the need for better safety measures and more effective communication to prevent such incidents.
Beyond the direct impact on the victims and companies involved, these lawsuits have also had a broader societal effect. They have raised awareness about the potential hazards of everyday activities and sparked discussions about corporate responsibility and consumer protection.
Moreover, they have led to changes in the industry, from redesigning packaging to prevent spills to adjusting the serving temperatures of hot beverages. The ripple effects of these lawsuits continue to be felt, reminding us that even a simple cup can cause damage.
One of the most high-profile incidents involving hot beverages was the 1992 McDonald’s coffee case. The infamous Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants lawsuit is a notable example of a scorching liquid mishap leading to a significant lawsuit settlement1.
Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, purchased coffee from a McDonald’s drive-through. Unfortunately, she accidentally spilled the coffee on her lap, resulting in third-degree burns that required skin grafting and two years of medical treatment. The burns were so severe that she lost 20 percent of her body weight during hospitalization.
Liebeck initially sought to settle with McDonald’s for $20,000, an amount intended to cover her medical expenses. McDonald’s, however, offered only $800 in response. This led Liebeck to file a lawsuit against the company.
The case revealed that McDonald’s coffee was served at temperatures between 180–190 °F (82–88 °C), significantly hotter than other establishments. The jury sided with Liebeck, finding McDonald’s 80% responsible for the incident and awarding her compensatory and punitive damages totaling $2.9 million. The trial judge later reduced this amount to $640,000. 1
Airlines are not immune to hot liquid lawsuits. Southwest Airlines faced a lawsuit when a passenger suffered second-degree burns after attempting to make tea during flight2. A Tennessee woman sued Southwest Airlines and a flight attendant Tuesday for $800,000 for serving tea she says severely burned her. On December 28, 2011, Angelica Keller was seated in the window seat of the front row on Flight 955 between Nashville and Houston with a stop in New Orleans.
She had trouble handling the hot water without a tray table or flat surface. She spilled the hot water on her lap and suffered severe burns. The lawsuit sought $300,000 for property damages, medical bills, injuries, and pain and suffering, plus $500,000 in punitive damages3.
Fragoso v. Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.” is a lawsuit lodged by Jennifer Fragoso against Dunkin’ Donuts. The suit sprung from burns Fragoso claimed were caused by hot apple cider served at a Dunkin’ Donuts store in Belleville, New Jersey, in September 2012.
Fragoso alleges the cider was excessively hot, “beyond industry standards,” and the lid of the cup was not properly secured, leading to the spill of the hot contents into her lap. As a result, she suffered second-and third-degree burns, leaving her “painfully and permanently injured” with scars that “cannot heal and will never heal “4.
The counts in Fragoso’s suit include product liability, negligence, and breach of warranties. She sought compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, interest, and costs. The temperature at which such beverages are served has always been debated. An expert noted that the temperature ranges necessary to extract flavors from coffee beans, tea leaves, or cocoa are well above the threshold for burning, which is why hot beverages are typically served at such high temperatures.
These lawsuits aren’t just about compensating victims for their pain and suffering; they’re about accountability and ensuring companies take measures to prevent similar incidents. These lawsuits remind businesses to prioritize consumer safety, even when serving something as commonplace as a cup of coffee or tea.
Lawsuits often result in structured settlements or annuity payments, which provide a steady income stream for victims over a specified period. These settlements are designed to offer financial security to individuals who have suffered injuries and may have ongoing medical expenses or loss of income.
In the complex maze of life, it’s not uncommon for the unexpected to come knocking at our doors. Perhaps it’s a sudden health crisis, a home desperately needing repairs, mounting debts, or a golden investment opportunity. It could be a family emergency or even the prospect of furthering your education. Whatever the reason, life’s curveballs often necessitate immediate access to funds.
Structured settlements, born out of personal injury lawsuits or other legal settlements, provide a consistent income stream for victims. They act as a financial cushion, especially for those grappling with long-term medical expenses or loss of income due to the inability to work. It’s a slow and steady approach, ensuring victims have a secure financial future.
But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need a larger sum of money, and you need it now? That’s where financial service companies like Liberty Settlement Funding come into play.
Understanding that circumstances change and that individuals might suddenly need more funds than their periodic settlement payments provide, Liberty Settlement Funding offers a practical solution. They can purchase these structured settlements in exchange for a lump-sum cash payout. Immediate access to funds can be a lifeline during challenging times, allowing recipients to manage their finances according to their current needs.
Liberty Settlement Funding empowers you to navigate life’s unanticipated twists and turns more confidently, providing immediate financial support when needed. The choice between receiving a stream of smaller payments over a long duration or a single lump sum amount can depend on numerous factors, with life’s unpredictability being significant.
While enjoying your hot beverages with caution, remember to be aware of your legal rights in case of a scorching liquid mishap. Lawsuits aren’t just about seeking compensation; they’re about standing up for rights and holding corporations accountable for their actions.
The Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants case
The Southwest Airlines hot tea case
The lawsuit against Southwest Airlines
The Dunkin’ Donuts hot cider case
This content is carefully curated and fact-checked.
Bara is a highly-regarded expert in the structured settlement and annuity industry, with an impressive background in settlement factoring. Her experience includes key roles at J.G. Wentworth, Peachtree Settlement Funding, and Liberty Settlement Funding, and she is currently a pivotal team member at Fairfield Funding. Bara's expertise covers SEO, SEM, strategic planning, and brand management, while her passion for photography brings a unique visual perspective. Dedicated to staying current in her field and delivering exceptional experiences, Bara is a trusted professional in the industry.