A family in Florida won $800,000 in a civil judgment against fast food giant McDonald’s after one of its franchises served a hot chicken nugget that burned a girl several years ago.
Back in 2019, Philana Holmes and her daughter Olivia Caraballo — who was four years old at the time — ordered a Happy Meal through a Florida McDonald’s drive-thru. Then, as the mother pulled away from the Tamarac location, and Olivia ate her food, one of the chicken nuggets fell on the girl’s leg and seriously burned her.
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Shocked by the injury, Philana hired an attorney who sought more than $15 million in damages over the burn. And now, four years later, a jury has handed down their final conclusion: $800,000 (!!!) to Olivia and her family for punitive damages.
OMG!
That money is to be split down the middle between McDonald’s USA and its franchise operator Upchurch Foods, which each must pay out $400,000.
Per CBS News, Philana spoke to reporters outside the courtroom in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday after the verdict was handed back in by the jury. She said:
“I’m actually just happy that they listened to Olivia’s voice and the jury was able to decide a fair judgment. I’m happy with that. I honestly had no expectations, so this is more than fair for me.”
Lawyers working on behalf of McDonald’s slammed the case in their closing arguments. Defense attorney Jennifer Miller said the now-8-year-old girl recovered from the burn after several weeks, and added:
“She’s still going to McDonalds, she still asks to go to McDonald’s, she’s still driving through the drive-thru with her mom, getting chicken nuggets. She’s not bothered by the injury. This is all the mom.”
Jeez…
Seriously, Mickey D’s? Of course she still wants your food, you famously make it so tasty, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t suffer injury! Both can be true at the same time!
As for Olivia’s side, they released a statement after the verdict as well. The Fischer Redavid Law Firm spoke to reporters on Wednesday regarding the case’s conclusion, per WPLG:
“Today, a jury of reasonable and measured members of our community rendered a verdict that reflected the truth, the facts, and the law. We don’t view this as a ‘split verdict.’ Two defendants went to trial, denying liability. A jury found both liable. … This is full justice for Olivia.”
Here is more on the case (below):
That’s a lot of money!!!
Your take, Perezcious readers??
[Image via ABC 7 News/YouTube/YouTube]
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