Reminiscent of a 1994 case that caught national attention, a Jefferson County woman is suing McDonald's for failing to warn her that coffee is served hot.
According to Katie Lacey's lawsuit, filed with the Jefferson County Court at Law No. 1 on April 23, she paid a visit to a Port Arthur McDonald's on Jan. 15, 2007. Lacey pulled up to the drive-thru window, ordered her breakfast and then spilled her coffee on her lap.
The suit says Lacey was handed a "boiling hot" cup of coffee. She claims the lid was not fully "secured," causing "boiling" coffee to be dumped into her lap, "severely burning her flesh."
Like any water-based liquid, coffee's boiling point is 212 Fahrenheit.
The suit faults McDonald's for failing to warn her coffee is hot and for handing her a cup of coffee without a secured lid.
Lacey also says the coffee was not safe and fit for the purpose for which it was intended.
She claims her injuries forced her to cancel two catering events, "and out of which she would have made a decent amount of money," the suit said.
Lacey is suing for loss of earning capacity and past and future medical expenses.
"Plaintiff prays upon final hearing hereof, she have judgment against the defendant…costs and general relief," the suit said.
She is represented by the Law Offices of Woodsen E. Dryden, a Beaumont law firm.
Case No. 108-083