Today I saw the real story behind the old lady who sued McDonalds over hot coffee that she purchased at the drive thru and spilled on her lap. I remember the story and how it was such a big deal.
Back when the story happened I would have been shocked at how little of the real story made it through to me. Of course now days, post "Al Gore invented the internet" and all of the other examples of shitty journalism we have lived through I am not surprised. I am a little surprised that shitty journalism goes back that far. I always thought it was a more recent illness in our nation. Boy was I wrong.
I recommend you follow the link and watch the story yourself, so here is the link, read no further to get the full effect. Otherwise, continue below for some of the details.
Here is the Upworthy story
So the story always seemed to be that this stupid woman bought some coffee at McCrappyFoods, carelessly drove away and spilled a little coffee on herself, and then got a lawyer and decided to cash in.
Surprise Surprise Surprise, not even close.
1) She wasn't the driver
2) Car was parked in the parking lot, not moving
3) Car was pre 52.5 cupholders per vehicle, no place to put the coffee cup
4) She put it between her legs while she was trying to remove the lid
5) 3rd Degree burns from 180 degree coffee
6) Required skin grafts to repair the damage
7) Tried to work with McDonalds first to get medical expenses paid, they offered her $800
8) 2 Million plus jury award was reduced to well under a million by the judge
There's a great clip in the video of George Will, reputed "serious person", being the complete hack non-journalist asshole he truly is and that is worth seeing