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Food Court in Session: Is This Wave of Lawsuits Frivolous or Justified?

"The lawsuits can make for a good laugh, but, unfortunately, the data is no joke,” said Matthew Webb, senior vice president of legal reform policy at the Institute for Legal Reform.

February 15, 2024 at 01:51 PM

7 minute read

Class Actions

Lisa Willis

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What You Need to Know

A landmark 1994 McDonald's lawsuit spotlights debate on frivolous versus justified litigation.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform noted a 52% increase in food-related lawsuits.
A more educated and internet-savvy consumer base is leading to an increase in legal actions against companies for deceptive practices.
The legal system is challenged to balance protecting consumer rights and preventing litigation abuse.

Debate is swirling about what is frivolous litigation and what is justified as quirky new lawsuits are drawing international attention.

It’s a turnaround from 1994, when the legal process took a ribbing after the filing of Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants, when a then-79-year-old New Mexico woman suffered third-degree burns from coffee spilled in her lap.

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