Florida Family Awarded $800,000 in Lawsuit Against McDonald’s for Toddler’s Burnt Chicken Nugget Incident
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – A Broward County jury has recently awarded a Florida family $800,000 in a civil lawsuit against McDonald’s and one of its franchisees after their toddler was burned by hot chicken nuggets.
The incident occurred in May when Philana Holmes and her daughter Olivia Caraballo, aged 7, visited a McDonald’s drive-thru in Tamarac, Florida. As previously reported by CNN affiliate WPLG, the jury found that McDonald’s and franchise owner Upchurch Foods were negligent in failing to properly warn or provide reasonable instructions regarding the potential harm from the hot McNuggets.
Today, the jury has awarded the family a total of $800,000 for various damages. This includes $400,000 for past injuries and $400,000 for future damages associated with pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, and loss of capacity for enjoyment of life.
Attorneys representing the family released a statement expressing their satisfaction with the verdict. They said, “This momentous decision brings meaningful closure to an arduous and protracted legal process. 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.”
CNN has reached out to attorneys representing Upchurch Foods and McDonald’s for their comments on the verdict.
This case highlights the importance of proper warning labels and instructions on potentially dangerous products. It serves as a reminder for companies to prioritize consumer safety and take appropriate measures to prevent accidents and injuries.