On Wednesday (July), a Florida family was awarded $800,000 in a civil lawsuit against McDonald’s and one of its franchise after a toddler was burned by hot chicken nuggets.
According to CNN, then 4-year-old Olivia Caraballo suffered burns after a hot McNugget fell on her lap as her mother pulled away from a Tamarac, Florida McDonald’s drive-thru in 2019. A jury found the fast-food chain and Upchurch Foods liable for failing to properly warn customers about the potential harm their hot food can cause.
The $800,000 will go toward pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, and loss of capacity for enjoyment of life. That includes $400,000 for injuries sustained in the past and $400,000 for damages the jury determined will be sustained in the future.
“This momentous decision brings meaningful closure to an arduous and protracted legal process,” the family’s attorney said in a statement. “Having previously established the defendants, Upchurch Foods Inc and McDonald’s USA LLC, as liable for their wrongful actions, this verdict reaffirms that they must now face the consequences and provide full justice.”