Woman Burned by McDonald's Hot Coffee, Then the News Media

[Hassin Bin Sober]

35. You fail to grasp the whole concept of product liability...

.... and how it relates to delivering a product to a consumer that is supposed to be fit for human consumption at time of delivery. The McD coffee is not fit for human consumption at 180 degrees. That means, as the suit claims, it was "defective".

You seem too quick to come to the defense and release all liability to a corporation that makes it their BUSINESS and makes a profit passing IN TO CARS a product that will cause third degree burns on contact. Don't you think some consideration should be made by the company of the fact they are passing over-temp coffee over their customer's laps?

You act as though there is no guidelines for scalding temperatures as it pertains to water, food or appliances. You say:

"There were no regulations or laws dictating, indicating, advising, nor regulating coffee temperature."
Um, yeah, there are reams of information and guidelines for people/businesses to consult regarding temperature settings.

I build kitchens and baths. I often have occasion to be around and make adjustments to hot water settings on hot water heaters for my clients. I won't set the temp higher than 120 degrees. If the customer wants it any higher they have to do it themselves - with the caveat that 140-150 degrees can scald quickly. I also point out that temperatures should be kept low when children or elderly/disabled people will use the facilities. I always remind my clients of an "ER" reality show I watched where an elderly man fell in the tub and couldn't get out of the way of scalding water and received (and died from) third degree burns over 70% of his body.