Liebeck’s attorneys argued that, at 180–190 °F (82–88 °C) , McDonald’s coffee was boiling hot and more likely to cause serious injury than coffee served at any other establishment. The jury found that McDonald’s was 80 percent responsible for the incident.
How hot was the coffee in the Mcdonalds lawsuit?
Here is some of the evidence the jury heard during the trial: McDonald’s operations manual required the franchisee to hold its coffee at 180 to 190 degrees fahrenheit coffee at that temperature, if spilled, causes third-degree burns in three to seven seconds.
What temperature is mcdonalds coffee now?
In fact, according to CAOC, McDonald’s was using an operator’s manual that dictated the coffee be kept at a temperature between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the legal temperature for coffee?
These judicial determinations are supported by the fact that most home coffee machines hold coffee for serving at temperatures between 170 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
How hot does coffee burn your skin?
When the temperature of a hot liquid is increased to 140° F it takes only five seconds or less for a serious burn to occur. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and other hot beverages are usually served at 160° to 180° F , resulting in almost instantaneous burns that may require surgery.
Does Mcdonalds still serve coffee at 190 degrees?
The judgment was ultimately reduced for an undisclosed amount. In the end, McDonald’s admitted to keeping their coffee at a temperature between 180 and 190 degrees For reference, the optimal drinking temperature for hot beverages is around 140-150 degrees.
Why did McDonald’s keep their coffee so hot?
During the trial, it was revealed that McDonald’s kept its coffee temperature between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit, even though any drink served at temperatures over 140 degrees Fahrenheit could cause serious burns. The company claimed to do that because it “made the coffee taste better.”.
Can you sue for hot coffee?
Hot coffee burn lawsuits demand compensation payouts for physical pain and suffering and psychological injuries In cases with severe burns, there will be significant medical expenses that are claimed in the case.
How hot is too hot coffee?
Abstract. Hot beverages such as tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are frequently served at temperatures between 160 degrees F (71.1 degrees C) and 185 degrees F (85 degrees C) brief exposures to liquids in this temperature range can cause significant scald burns.
Why did McDonalds lose the hot coffee lawsuit?
The jury awarded Liebeck $200,000 in compensatory damages — reduced to $160,000 because the jury found her 20 percent at fault — and $2.7 million in punitive damages for McDonald’s callous conduct. (To put this in perspective, McDonald’s revenue from coffee sales alone is in excess of $1.3 million a day.).
How hot does Starbucks serve their coffee?
According to a beverage resource manual, the standard temperature for hot Starbucks drinks is between 150 and 170 degrees , not including Americanos. Children’s drinks are typically served at 130 degrees, said the manual.
How hot is Dunkin Donuts coffee?
A steaming hot shower would be 120. Brewed coffee is 195 to 205 degrees ; the temperature at which it’s held by a restaurant is 180; and it typically is served at 165 to 180 degrees. All major retailers, he says, adhere to these temperatures.
Did Mcdonalds lower coffee temperature?
In the 10 years before the case, more than 700 people who were scalded by coffee burns made claims against the company. But McDonald’s never lowered the temperature of its coffee.
What temperature will burn your tongue?
While the exact temperature can vary from person to person, in general, anything over 110 degrees Fahrenheit can cause a superficial burn, and anything 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will cause a burn instantly, he notes.
Can you get 2nd degree burns from coffee?
alone settled at least three hot coffee suits last year, and most of the allegations involve spilled hot coffee in the 170 degree to 190 degree range causing second or third degree burns to limbs, stomachs and pelvic areas.
Can 110 degree water burn you?
Even though a water temperature of 110° F is ‘relatively-safe’, exposure can be painful ; the human pain threshold is around 106-108° F. As the chart reproduced below reveals, the severity of a burn is a function of the temperature of the water and the duration of the exposure and the condition of the skin.
How much money did the McDonald’s hot coffee lady get?
Though there was a warning on the coffee cup, the jury decided that the warning was neither large enough nor sufficient. They awarded Liebeck $200,000 in compensatory damages, which was reduced by 20 percent to $160,000 In addition, they awarded her $2.7 million in punitive damages.
What is considered a first degree burn?
First-degree (superficial) burns. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, the epidermis The burn site is red, painful, dry, and has no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and often consists of an increase or decrease in the skin color.