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Are there any famous personal injury cases that have set legal precedents?

Danielle MacAvddy

Oh, boy! Do I have a story for you! The world of personal injury law is notorious for some of the most infamous cases that have set legal precedents. From hot coffee spills to faulty brakes, these cases have captured our attention and forever changed the way we think of personal injury lawsuits.

Let's start with a case that needs no introduction. The infamous McDonald's coffee case of 1992. You may remember this case from the countless jokes and memes about it. But in reality, the outcome of this case was no laughing matter. Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, was burned by a cup of McDonald's scalding hot coffee. She suffered third-degree burns and required skin grafts. The jury awarded her $2.86 million in damages, which was later reduced on appeal. This case set a precedent for warning labels on hot beverages and helped change the way companies approach product liability.

But that's not all! Have you ever heard of the "Twinkie Defense" case? In 1978, Dan White, a former San Francisco Supervisor, shot and killed Harvey Milk, a city supervisor, and Mayor George Moscone. During his trial, White's defense attorney argued that his client had consumed too many Twinkies and other junk food, which altered his mood and led to his actions. The jury ended up convicting White of manslaughter rather than murder, which caused outrage and protests. While this case did not set any legal precedents directly related to personal injury, it changed the way we approach mental health defenses in criminal cases.

Another interesting case that set a legal precedent is the "Ford Pinto" case. In the 1970s, the Ford Motor Company knowingly sold a car with a faulty fuel system design. In a rear-end collision, the fuel tank would rupture and burst into flames, causing serious injuries and deaths. In 1978, a jury awarded $125 million in damages to a young woman who was severely burned in her Pinto after being rear-ended. This case helped change the way companies approach product liability and forced them to prioritize safety over profits.

These are just a few examples of the many famous personal injury cases that have set legal precedents. These cases have not only impacted the lives of those directly involved but have changed the way we approach product liability, warning labels, and mental health defenses. So, next time you spill that cup of hot coffee or see a faulty product, remember the legal battles that led to the changes we see today.