Revisiting an infamous coffee spill

The documentary "Hot Coffee" takes a closer look at the McDonald's coffee spill case.

In 1994, a jury awarded Stella Liebeck $2.86 million for injuries suffered when she spilled a cup of McDonald’s coffee in her lap. The case got widespread attention as an example of litigation gone wild. This Saturday, the Broad Stage presents a different take on the case in “Hot Coffee.”

The event features a screening of the documentary film Hot Coffee followed by a panel discussion with attorney Brad Seligman, consumer watchdog Harvey Rosenfield, and law professor John Nockleby. The panel will be moderated by Jan Frel, a former managing director of AlterNet.org, and Amy Ziering, an award-winning documentary filmmaker.

Nockelby, who is director of the Civil Justice Program at Loyola Law School, said the popular narrative of a careless and litigious plaintiff is off base. The spill, he said, resulted in extensive third-degree burns which required Liebeck, 79, to undergo skin grafts.

“This was superheated coffee,” Nockelby said. “McDonald’s had hundreds of cases of people burning themselves and refused to lower the temperature until this case.”

The film takes a close look at the lawsuit and the resulting media coverage, which Nockelby contends was influenced heavily by big businesses with an interest in limiting personal injury lawsuits.

To judge for yourself, reserve a seat for the Friday, March 23, event online or by calling (310) 434-3200. Tickets cost $15 and parking is free. Directions to the Santa Monica venue are available on the Broad Stage website.

Posted 3/21/12