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

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

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

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

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
Community & Calls to Action
  • Review & follow on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
  • 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @theCompendiumPodcast
  • 🌐 Visit us at: TheCompendiumPodcast.com
  • ❤️ Early access episodes: Patreon
📤 Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

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

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.