A Florida family has won a lawsuit against McDonald’s. Specifically, the fast-food giant will have to pay $800,000, and the legal challenge comes after a sizzling piece of chicken scalded a 4-year-old.
The original family sought $15 million from McDonald’s
According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, a jury ruled in favor of the family on Wednesday (July 19). We should note, however, that the family originally claimed $15 million in damages, so the $800k bag is definitely a much smaller sum in comparison.
However, the judgment provides $400,000 for past damages and another $400,000 for anything incurred in the future.
For context, the situation emerged in 2019 after Philana Holmes and her daughter—Olivia CaraballoAge 8—went to a McDonald’s in Tamarac, Florida.
After buying Happy Meals on the driveway and passing them on to her children, she heard Olivia scream in pain. The mother then pulled over and discovered a burn – which was recorded, along with the child’s screams, to be presented to the jury. The piece of chicken had landed on Olivia’s leg, leaving a second-degree burn.
The basis of the lawsuit is that Philana alleges McDonald’s failed to warn her that the food was Therefore hot. In addition, the lawyers argued that the ordeal left Olivia with lingering emotional pain and a scar that she hoped would be “repaired”.
Mother “Happy” With “Fair” Decision
In response to the ruling, Philana Holmes said she found the decision “more than fair.”
“I’m really glad they listened to Olivia’s voice and the jury was able to reach a fair verdict. I am satisfied with that. I really have no expectations, so this is more fair to me.
As for the defense team, they felt that $156,000 was sufficient to cover the damages, with attorneys Jennifer Miller said that Olivia “didn’t mind the wound” during the closing arguments.
“She still goes to McDonald’s, she still asks to go to McDonald’s, [and] She is still driving through the store with her mother to get chicken nuggets. She doesn’t mind the wound. This is all mom’s.
Miller added, “Children are very resilient. We know for sure that Olivia got through this. Her doctors said it, not me.
CNN noted that attorneys for the family issued a statement and stated, “This important decision brings about a meaningful conclusion.”
