Disfigured By Chicken Nuggets: Can You Sue?
You’ve probably heard of people suing for injuries caused by hot beverages, such as coffee or tea. It’s no secret that these hot liquids can cause serious burns. In many cases, these burns permanently disfigure victims and cause tremendous pain. In addition, victims may face hefty medical bills after their accidents. But what about hot food? As it turns out, some food items can be just as dangerous as hot liquids. This was made clear after a family decided to sue McDonald’s for hot chicken nuggets. But can you do the same? Let’s find out:
Chicken Nugget Trial Results in Split Verdict
On May 11th, it was reported that a jury in Florida had returned a “split verdict” in a notable personal injury trial. This trial involved a 4-year-old girl who was allegedly burned, disfigured, and scarred by hot chicken nuggets. For those who don’t know, a “split verdict” occurs when the jury finds that some parties are negligent but not others. In this case, the jury found that McDonald’s was not negligent – but the franchisee was. However, the jury also found that both parties failed to provide or produce instructions for the chicken nuggets. A core argument of the plaintiff’s legal team was that these instructions would have prevented the child’s injuries.
The lawsuit stems from an incident back in 2019. In August of that year, the child and her mother stopped at McDonald’s and went through the drive-thru. After receiving the chicken nuggets from the drive-thru window, the mother passed the meal to the backseat, where her daughter was sitting. It was at this point that a chicken nugget fell on the four-year-old’s leg, causing the victim to scream in pain. Pulling into a nearby parking lot, the mother immediately noticed a serious burn on the girl’s leg.
The plaintiff’s lawyers argued that the nuggets were “unreasonably and dangerously hot,” claiming that the nuggets were not fit for people to handle them with their bare skin. Both McDonald’s and the franchisee have stated that they disagree with the decision. The franchisee has stressed that it followed “food safety best practices” when cooking and serving its chicken nuggets. It is not clear how much the plaintiffs will receive, although they are seeking $15,000 in damages.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Orlando?
If you’ve been injured by any type of negligence while visiting a restaurant in Orlando, you should get in touch with a qualified, experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer. Whether you slipped and fell on a wet floor or you were burned by hot food or liquid, you deserve the chance to consider your legal options alongside an attorney. During your first consultation, your lawyer can assess your unique situation and recommend the best route forward. In many cases, this will result in a personal injury lawsuit that can cover your various damages. Reach out to Payer Law today to get started.
Sources:
cbsnews.com/news/mcdonalds-hot-chicken-mcnugget-trial-florida-verdict-parents-say-girl-disfigured/
today.com/food/news/florida-jury-finds-mcdonalds-liable-young-girls-burns-hot-chicken-nugg-rcna84064
