Bardigras: The Old Lady’s Advocate, Lore Architect, and History's Most Fearsome Influencer

Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, purchased hot coffee from a McDonald's and, in a moment of misfortune, spilled it on herself, resulting in severe burns. The pain and suffering led to an eight-day hospitalization and extensive medical treatment over the following two years. Seeking to address her medical costs, Liebeck approached McDonald's for assistance, proposing a settlement of $20,000. When the company declined, her attorney initiated a lawsuit, alleging gross negligence on McDonald's part.

Her legal team contended that the temperature of the coffee, served at 180–190 °F, was unusually hazardous, posing a greater risk of serious injury compared to coffee served elsewhere. The jury ultimately found McDonald's to bear significant responsibility for the incident and awarded Liebeck $160,000 for her medical expenses, alongside $2.7 million in punitive damages—an amount reflecting just two days of the franchise's coffee sales. The trial judge later adjusted the punitive damages to $640,000. Before an appeal could unfold, the parties reached a confidential settlement.

The Liebeck case incited considerable debate in the U.S. regarding tort reform. Critics pointed to it as an instance of frivolous litigation, while others, including legal scholars, viewed it as a legitimate claim deserving of attention. The media's portrayal of the case was challenged as a misrepresentation influenced by political and corporate interests, a perspective further explored in the 2011 HBO documentary, Hot Coffee, which covered the broader implications of Liebeck's story in the ongoing dialogue about justice and corporate responsibility.