10 stories when a cup of coffee became a serious problem
Many people start the morning with a cup of hot coffee, and after coffee accompanies them throughout the day. At the same time, no one thinks that one awkward movement - and a cup in hand can cause serious injury and litigation.
(Total 10 photos)
1. Fragoso vs. Dunkin' Brands
In 2012, Jennifer Fragoso burned herself with Dunkin' Donuts apple cider, claiming it was too hot and unsafe for customers. Claim: not filed.
Bottom line: It's not known if Ms. Fragoso was paid for her burns, but Dunkin' Donuts said all cups now have "WARNING: This drink is very hot."
2. Angelica Keller vs. Southwest Airlines
During a flight in 2012, 43-year-old Angelique Keller was burned by a cup of tea because the table opposite her seat did not recline and she was forced to hold the cup in her hands. Lawsuit: Keller sued for $800,000 in damages, of which she claimed $300,000 for "pain and suffering" suffered during the flight.
Bottom line: Angelica Keller was eventually paid $500,000.
3. Abdelal vs. McDonald's
When four-year-old Lynn Abdelal was passing a glass of coffee to her grandmother at McDonald's, the lid of the glass fell off, leaving her grandmother with third-degree burns all over her body. Lawsuit: The restaurant was asked for $4 million in damages.
Bottom line: since 2012, when this incident occurred, the company still has not paid a cent.
4. Matthew Kohr vs. Starbucks
Police officer Matthew Kohr of North Carolina spilled a cup of Starbucks coffee on his lap, which (as Matthew stated) "led to exacerbation of Crohn's disease, caused anxiety and insomnia, and also led to a loss of intimacy with his wife." Claim: $750,000 in non-pecuniary damages.
Outcome: The jury unanimously decided that Starbucks is not obliged to pay anything to the policeman.
5. Hedy Chen vs. B-N-Out Burger
In 2013, Hedy Chen was given a cup of coffee at a diner that was so hot that the woman released the cup, spilling coffee on her stomach and thighs. Lawsuit: Chen suffered second-degree burns and sued the company for compensation.
Outcome: The trial is still ongoing.
6 Lourdes Cervantes v Continental Airlines
On a flight from Madrid to New Jersey in 2011, Lourdes Cervantes suffered extensive second-degree burns after a cup of hot coffee fell into her lap when a passenger seated in front of her leaned back in his seat. Lawsuit: Cervantes demanded $170,550 in damages.
Bottom line: the airline managed to negotiate with Lourdes out of court, so the amount of compensation is unknown.
7. Edwards vs. McDonald's
Selena Edwards ordered a glass of coffee from McDrive and took it by the lid. The lid of the glass fell off, causing coffee to spill onto Selena's hand, causing second-degree burns. Lawsuit: The amount was not disclosed publicly.
Bottom line: as it turned out during the investigation, all the photos provided by Edwards in 2014 were fake. In the end, Selena Edwards herself was convicted of fraud.
8. Kathleen Perez vs. McDrive
In 2013, Kathleen Perez took a glass of coffee from the McDrive window. The lid fell off the glass, and Kathleen burned her hand. Claim: There is no data on the amount claimed.
Outcome: The amount paid to McDonald's also remained unknown.
9. Jose Adames and Sally Irisarri vs. Denny's
In 2012, the 14-month-old daughter of Jose Adames and Sally Irisarri allegedly grabbed a cup of hot coffee from the table and knocked it over on herself. The parents allege that the waitress, who "put the coffee on the table within reach of the baby," is to blame. Lawsuit: The parents requested compensation in the amount of $340,000, which was spent on the treatment of their daughter, as well as moral compensation.
Bottom line: Judge Hugh B. Scott ruled that the company should pay $500,000 for negligence.
10. Liebeck vs. McDonald's
In 1994, Stella Liebeck ordered a 49-cent glass of coffee from McDonald's. She placed it between her knees to add cream and sugar. The lid came off the glass, causing Stella to suffer third-degree burns. Claim: Initially $20,000, then $2.9 million.
Bottom line: Although Liebeck initially sought $20,000 in medical bills, her lawyer demanded an increase in the amount to $2.9 million. As a result, the parties agreed on a payment of $640,000.