Girl Compensated With $800,000 For McNugget-Caused Burn Injury

A young girl from Florida suffered severe burn injuries when a McDonald's Chicken McNugget accidentally fell on her leg in 2019. In a recent ruling, a jury awarded her $800,000 in damages, covering her pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the incident.

In Florida, an eight-year-old girl named Olivia Caraballo received $800,000 in compensation following severe burn injuries caused by a McDonald's Chicken McNugget that fell on her leg. The incident occurred in 2019 when Olivia was just four years old.

According to a BBC report, the girl's family initially sought $15 million in damages, stating that the McNugget was "dangerously hot" and caused significant harm to the minor.

McNugget Burn Injury Compensation 

The incident took place at a McDonald's drive-thru in Tamarac, near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As Olivia opened her Happy Meal in the car, the Chicken McNugget accidentally fell onto her leg, resulting in a noticeable scar and distressing consequences.

Olivia was awarded compensation by the Florida jury, considering the pain, suffering, and emotional distress she endured. The granted amount totalled $800,000, which encompassed $400,000 for the past four years and an additional $400,000 for the future.

The jury arrived at this decision after the family's legal representatives presented evidence, including photos of Olivia's burn and an audio recording capturing her screams when the McNugget fell on her leg. These compelling pieces of evidence played a crucial role in determining the appropriate compensation.

On the other hand, McDonald's offered a contrasting perspective, arguing that the family should receive a lesser amount of $156,000. They claimed that Olivia's pain had ceased after her burn healed within three weeks. Moreover, they highlighted that the girl continued to visit McDonald's and consume chicken nuggets, implying that her actions contradicted the severity of her injuries.

Despite the restaurant chain's defence, the jury found merit in the family's case and awarded Olivia significant compensation to address the physical and emotional impact of the incident on her life.

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