This article first appeared in The Journal Record - January 14, 2010

Just the mere mention of the “McDonald’s coffee lawsuit,” and even the most casual follower of legal news can recite the basic details: An elderly woman spills a hot cup of coffee in her lap and sues the restaurant chain for $20,000 to cover her medical costs. After McDonald’s offers a lesser amount to settle the claim, the matter is taken to court, where a district court jury in New Mexico awards the plaintiff compensatory damages of $160,000 plus punitive damages of $2.7 million.

Article authored by McAfee & Taft attorney: Tim Bomhoff.