A New Jersey woman is suing a Camden County McDonald’s over serious burns she’s said to have sustained from coffee handed to her through a drive-thru window.
Pamela Evans claims “negligently overheated coffee to a temperature unsafe for handling and/or consumption by the public” was served to her on Sept. 4, 2023, according to NJ.com.
The plaintiff alleges her coffee order was “negligently” handed to her in a fashion that caused the hot liquid to spill. Evans claims to have sustained further “serious injuries” when she reflexively pulled her hand hand away, slamming it against the door of her car.
The lawsuit filed Aug. 29 alleges the plaintiff’s permanent injuries prevented her from working as medical costs accrued. Evans charges the fast food giant was negligent in its hiring practices, training and employee supervision.
It’s not clear how much money she seeks in damages. McDonald’s didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
A New Mexico jury famously awarded $2.8 million to a 79-year-old woman who sued McDonald’s in 1994 after sustaining second- and third-degree burn injuries caused by hot coffee handed to her through a drive-thru window. The case, Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants, made national headlines due to the amount that was awarded and the extent of the victim’s injuries.
