A US jury has awarded a Florida family $800,000 in a civil lawsuit against McDonald’s and one of its franchisees, after a toddler was burned by hot chicken nuggets.
In May 2023, the jury found that McDonald’s and franchise owner Upchurch Foods were liable for failing to properly warn or provide reasonable instructions on the possible harm from the hot McNuggets dispensed at a Tamarac, Florida, drive-thru.
On Thursday, July 20, the jury awarded the family a total of $800,000 for 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.
In a statement, attorneys for the family 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.”
