Has the world gone mad? (non-footy)

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Or more precicely, has the UK just blindly following the US? Today, MacDonalds is being sued in the courts in Manchester for serving drinks which are too hot. I know this sort of action has been taken previously in the US and was directly responsible for the warnings on the cups/lids about the drinks being hot.

But fer crissakes, when somebody buys a cup of coffee or tea, isn't it expected to be hot? Now, I'm not unsympathetic towards those unfortunate folks who have been scalded by these hot drinks, but is it the fault of MacDonalds per se for serving hot drinks, or is it the fault of the person who knocked it over?

If this action should succeed, what are likely to be the consequences? Thermometers in each beverage to check that the contents are the correct temperature? More likely, hot drinks will cease to be served. Certainly if I was in charge at MacDonalds or other establishments (as surely all beverage vendors are in the same boat) that's what I would do.

Where will it end? Warnings/litigation on pizzas? Microwaved Bacon/Tomato sandwiches on the train?

Bah! Humbug!

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000

Answers

Nowt wrong with being litigious.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000

I'm Suing S&N as my head is like a marsh mallow this morning, aye where was the warning there then!!

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000

Good idea. Maybe I can sue NUFC for repairs to my car from the damage caused on my way home from watching them play. Cause if they hadn't come to the States, I wouldn't have driven all that distance, etc etc... ;-)

What really boils my blood about these stupid lawsuits is that the courts actually allow them! All it would take is for them to tell these people to f*** off, quit being stupid, and take a bit of responsibility for themselves. They'd stop soon enough.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000


I disagree with your "nothing wrong with being litigious" Dougal when it comes down to ridiculous legal arguments such as this. It doesn't stop there; there was a case in America where a child sued his parents when the family dog bit him, the family insurance company paid out. I prefer good old fashioned honesty to the quick buck, get one over on your/family/neighbour/council/employer/restaurant even if that does mean less lawyers. It is just another example of the slipping standards of respect, politeness & integrity in this country today.

I am not suggesting that nobody should be able to claim, but the roll over and settle out of court attidtude of some insurance companies encourages the nonsense claims.

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000

Hey Tony, when you say I disagree with your "nothing wrong with being litigious" Dougal what you have to also remember is that Dougal makes her living in the legal proffession as a solicitor.

Conflictof interests......perish the thought dous!

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000



Hey ITK - surely the words legal and solicitor are also a conflict - unless I've missed a change in the law. Know what you mean like - she used to live near Kings X. Say no more, nudge, nudge...

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000

Screacher....what ever could you mean......if it is not for the legal profession....what else could she possibly solicit for around KX?

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2000

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