30 Jun

Scalded by Coffee: New Perspectives on an Infamous Lawsuit

The “McDonald’s coffee lawsuit” made national headlines in 1992 after Stella Liebeck spilled scalding coffee in her lap while removing the lid and decided to sue the corporation for damages. Years later, perspective lends new angles to this often-mocked story.

Was Liebeck’s suit legitimate? And what does this still mean for restauranteurs and hospitality professionals today? This Then News Media piece provides a valuable case study for any of us who need a reminder about the importance of legal protection for ourselves and safety precautions for our customers.

See the FULL STORY HERE.

Stephen Barth
Stephen Barth Stephen Barth, an attorney, professor, and author of Hospitality Law, Intelligent Emotions: On Self Responsibility, Owning Our Emotional Power and Changing Our Reactions, and co-author of Restaurant Law Basics, is well-versed in the world of hospitality law. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Houston, Conrad N. Hilton College, he was an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University. With over twenty years of experience in hospitality operations, including line positions, management, and ownership, Professor Barth is a regular guest speaker covering a variety of issues for national, regional, and local industry associations and businesses. Professor Barth is a member of a select group of instructors worldwide designated by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association to instruct its Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) program. Recently, he has been quoted in many national publications including Hotel News Now, Leisure & Hospitality International, USA Today, Successful Meetings, NBC News, and the Los Angeles Times.