McDonald's in hot water over its'scalding' drinks

PERSONAL INJURY: 20 burn victims sue fast food chain

A group of 12 law firms will this week begin proceedings against fast food chain McDonald's, claiming that it serves hot drinks at dangerously high temperatures.An initial 20 claims on behalf of customers - mainly children - who have suffered burns will be started this week by Manchester law firm Slater Heelis Collier Littler and London firm Shamash & Steel, which are leading the litigation.The solicitors will argue that McDonald's knowingly serves its hot drinks at dangerously high temperatures in breach of both the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Occupiers Liability Act 1957.Their claim will draw on the famous US case of Stella Libeck, who was burnt by a McDonald's hot drink she placed between her legs while sitting in a car as she tried to remove the lid.

A jury awarded Ms Libeck $2.9 million, mostly in punitive damages.

This was reduced to $480,000 on appeal.

The parties then reached a confidential settlement.Slater Heelis's Adrienne de Vos said: 'I know that some would say such drinks are meant to be hot and that people should simply take more care.

This misses the point.

Customers don't realise just how hot and dangerous these drinks are.' She said McDonald's documents put the temperature at 87-90 degrees centigrade.

The victims' medical experts argue that the body cannot consume liquids at such temperatures.A McDonald's statement said: 'McDonald's first concern is for the safety of our customers.

All of our products, including drinks, are carefully prepared to precise specifications.

All of our hot drinks are served in cups fitted with a lid, and bearing the words "caution hot".

We will be examining the proceedings once issued and made available to us.'

Neil Rose