HBO Documentary "Hot Coffee" - Sheds Light on famous McDondald's Case
One of the biggest events in the world of injury cases happened in 1992 when 79 year old, Stella Liebeck, spilled hot coffee on herself and sued McDonald's for her burns. The case was Liebeck v. McDonald's or the McDonald's coffee case. The case was brought as a product liability suit saying that the coffee at McDonald's was unreasonably hot and dangerous. On June 27th, HBO will premier the documentary "Hot Coffee" and the real truth will finally be told.
The Liebeck v. McDonald's case, was timely case for proponents of Tort Reform. At the time, there was a growing sentiment in America, due to a barrage of propaganda from insurance companies, Associated Industries and major corporations that the Tort System was broken and that jury awards were out of control. In 1994, when the jury gave Ms. Liebeck a verdict of $2.86 million, the country went wild in disbelief. How could a person win millions by spilling coffee on themselves?
The forces working for Tort Reform used this case as a sword and never wanted the whole story to get out. On Monday, June 27th, the true story is finally being told. I believe it is way late, but late is better than never. The real facts will be related. The actual total award (which was reduced by the judge to $640,000 and then reduced in a private negotiation to something much smaller on Appeal) will be investigated. The idea that McDonald's was subject to frivolous litigation is absurd, but is also investigated. Also, McDonald’s wrongdoing is also investigated.
I encourage everyone to watch this program because discussion is important to the future our civil justice system. First time Filmmaker and former lawyer, Susan Saladoff, should be proud that her documentary will engage people on both sides. The documentary Hot Coffee will premier on HBO, Monday, June 27, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. Invite a few friends over to watch the film and discuss the film after the show. I will share my thoughts on the Injury Law blog after watching the movie.
The makers of the film Hot Coffee have provided a few Talking Points below to get the discussions started:.
1. If you’d heard of the McDonald’s coffee case before viewing Hot Coffee, did watching the film change your mind about what you thought?
2. Did you learn anything new about torts or “tort reform”? What about “caps” on damages? How many mandatory arbitration clauses do you think you’ve agreed to in the last year?
3. What can you do to protect our civil justice system and change the misconceptions so many people have today?
4. What actions are you going to take about this issue right away? SUGGESTIONS: Write your representatives in Congress and in your state legislatures. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. There is pending federal legislation called the Arbitration Fairness Act, and many states are moving to pass restrictive caps every day. Your voice will make a difference.
Take Action
1. Host a HBO House Party: Invite your Friends over to watch the Hot Coffee premiere on HBO, JUNE 27, 2011 at 9:00 pm(ET/PT)/
2. Tell Congress and state lawmakers to oppose laws that restrict access to the courts.
◊ Congress: Make your voices heard on two important bills right now!
Stand Up for Patients’ Rights. Tell your member of Congress to oppose the badly named, badly flawed “Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare Act of 2011″ (H.R. 5)
Stop the Corporate Attack on Our Rights and End Forced Arbitration. Tell your members of Congress to support the Arbitration Fairness Act (S. 987 and H.R. 1873)
◊ States: Contact your state lawmakers, and tell them to oppose “caps” and so-called “tort reform.”
3. Spread the word & help enlighten others!
4. Learn About the Issues:
5. Protect your access to the civil justice system
6. Stay informed
I have seen he documentary "Hot Coffee" and like most people felt that Ms. Liebeck's lawsuit was frivolous.... that is until I saw this film. My 23 year old daughter watched it with me and we have been spreading the word around telling others to watch it!! How educational. The reason I am writing is because two weeks after seeing the film, as I was finishing up with a job application, it had a mandatory arbiter clause. If I had not seen this film I would not have thought a thing about it!! Wow, only in America!!!!