Ed Wood "The Right Stuff" Published April 3, 2002

Too many lawyers

You will recall several years ago that a New Mexico woman was awarded $2.7 million in damages for burns suffered when hot McDonald's coffee spilled from the cup she was holding between her legs while exiting the drive-through window. Her award was later reduced to $500,000, but still not too bad for one cup of coffee!

Now we have a similar, yet different, claim being filed by a Mary H. Corbin of Admiral Rock, Nova Scotia. Ms. Corbin claims the top came off her cup of McDonald's hot chocolate, spilling it down her bosom, "clear down to my navel!" Ms. Corbin said that for five humiliating days she was unable to wear a bra, and her jeans could not be pulled up to her waist! Fortunately, her husband was able to apply a salve which allowed her skin to heal without scarring.

Ms. Corbin is seeking $20,000 for pain and suffering; $5,000 for embarrassment, humiliation, and emotional distress; $85 for damaged clothing; and $9.50 for the salve and hot chocolate. A total of $25,094.50, plus court costs.

Considering that in 1999 a Knoxville woman sued McDonald's for $110,000, plus another $15,000 for her husband, claiming her hamburger pickle was "defective and unreasonably dangerous," McDonald's should be pretty happy this time to settle for a measly 25 grand!

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Ed Wood is a resident of Sparta, TN. His column is published each Wednesday in the Crossville Chronicle.