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Damages: The Inside Story of the Epic Wrongful Death Lawsuit That Changed America

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Published in Damages Barry Werth

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Barry Werth's Damages is a gripping and meticulously researched account of the epic wrongful death lawsuit that changed America. The case, Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants, began in 1992 when Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, spilled hot coffee on herself at a McDonald's restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Liebeck suffered third-degree burns over 16% of her body and died several months later from her injuries.

Liebeck's family sued McDonald's, alleging that the company was negligent in serving coffee that was too hot. The jury awarded Liebeck $2.7 million in compensatory damages and $480,000 in punitive damages. The punitive damages award was later reduced to $160,000 by the trial judge.

The Liebeck case sparked a national debate about tort reform. Critics of the verdict argued that it was excessive and would lead to higher prices for consumers. Supporters of the verdict argued that it was justified given the severity of Liebeck's injuries and McDonald's negligence.

Damages

by Barry Werth

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1788 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	404 pages

Damages tells the inside story of the Liebeck case, from the initial filing of the lawsuit to the Supreme Court's decision to decline to review the verdict. Werth interviews key players in the case, including Liebeck's family, her attorneys, and McDonald's executives. He also provides a detailed account of the legal proceedings, the media coverage of the case, and the public reaction to the verdict.

Damages is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that sheds light on one of the most important tort cases in American history. Werth's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of explaining the complex legal issues involved in the case. Damages is a must-read for anyone interested in tort law, civil procedure, or American legal history.

Key Points

Damages is a gripping and meticulously researched account of the epic wrongful death lawsuit that changed America.
The case, Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants, began in 1992 when Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, spilled hot coffee on herself at a McDonald's restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Liebeck suffered third-degree burns over 16% of her body and died several months later from her injuries.
Liebeck's family sued McDonald's, alleging that the company was negligent in serving coffee that was too hot.
The jury awarded Liebeck $2.7 million in compensatory damages and $480,000 in punitive damages.
The punitive damages award was later reduced to $160,000 by the trial judge.
The Liebeck case sparked a national debate about tort reform.
Damages tells the inside story of the Liebeck case, from the initial filing of the lawsuit to the Supreme Court's decision to decline to review the verdict.
Werth interviews key players in the case, including Liebeck's family, her attorneys, and McDonald's executives.
He also provides a detailed account of the legal proceedings, the media coverage of the case, and the public reaction to the verdict.
Damages is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that sheds light on one of the most important tort cases in American history.
Werth's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of explaining the complex legal issues involved in the case.
Damages is a must-read for anyone interested in tort law, civil procedure, or American legal history.