I know... I know it was at scalding temps and all.... I realize the woman wasn't driving at the time, and etc.
I also think (KNOW) that a) anyone buying coffee from McDonald's has already signed a "I do not understand coffee" waiver.
I also know she took the top off, with the cup between her legs, at a standstill, and expected the cup to "hold up" and "not tip" as she took the top off. She must never have had McDonalds coffee before because a) You only buy it once and b) there is NO way in hell (even at a standstill) that I would be trying to "add" creamer and sugar to a cup of McDonald's coffee that wasn't on a stable base, as those cups suck. They really do. They will spill on a MOMENT's provocation.
I do think her burns were severe, and I do understand that the coffee wasn't heated to any kind of "safe" temperature, but I have mixed feelings about it, as McDonald's food and beverages are bad for EVERYONE. I admit it's an extreme case, but unless she had never ordered coffee from McDonald's BEFORE, I am surprised at her high risk actions (for spill reasons, maybe not necessarily heat reasons) and I think covering her medical bills would have been fair enough.
With that said, I don't eat at McDonalds, ever, because their food tastes a little "dead" to me these days, and if I want coffee in the car, I do bring my own.... Mainly because I'm a coffee snob, I know I am clumsy, and I know I should prepare it myself, because McDonalds just isn't going to do it for me.
IF I need coffee on the road I usually will stop at a Starbucks which often serves equally scalding coffee, but I enter the facility, pour about an inch of it out, and THEN add my "things" to it, before going back to the car. I know I will get a TON of caffeine, and a beverage container that will WORK. I also place it in my coffee holder when I am not sipping from it... Why? Because almost every car has a beverage holder.
I think what happened to the lady was awful. I also think she was a bit of a dolt. This one is more of a grey one, but it's definitely NOT all "Oh poor HER, McD is at fault." Coffee is generally served HOT, if not SCALDING. I've burned myself before with my own coffee maker, I didn't attempt to sue my Coffee Urn Manufacturer. Etc.
Anna
