McDonald's hot coffee case: Why Everything You Think You Know About Stella Liebeck Is Wrong

The Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating Things

In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the real story behind the McDonald's hot coffee case—a tale often misrepresented in the media. Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, suffered third-degree burns from coffee served at dangerously high temperatures. Despite seeking a modest settlement, McDonald's offered only $800, leading to a lawsuit that highlighted issues of corporate negligence and consumer rights. We delve into how big business and media narratives distorted the facts, turning a legitimate claim into a symbol of "frivolous lawsuits." This case became a catalyst for American tort reform debates, revealing the profound impact of corporate influence in politics.​

We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:

• Liebeck v. McDonald's - The American Museum of Tort Law
• Legal Myths: The McDonald's "Hot Coffee" Case - Public Citizen
• Hot Coffee Documentry (2011) - Susan Saladoff

Host & Show Info

• Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
• About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
• Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin

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