10 Ridiculously Frivolous Lawsuits Against Big Businesses

Suing major corporations in hopes of making big bucks is a popular game in America. However, many people get overly creative with their claims, creating lawsuits over laughable causes. Most of these cases get thrown out. But if a business is truly concerned about the fees associated with a frivolous lawsuit, business liability insurance can be helpful. Below are among the most bizarre and absurd lawsuits placed against major corporations.

1) Liebeck v McDonald’s

Perhaps the most famous “frivolous” lawsuit, Liebeck v. McDonald’s is a case in which 80-year-old Stella Liebeck spilled a McDonald’s coffee in her lap, causing third-degree burns on her legs, lap, and groin area. After she filed the lawsuit, many people criticised her without hearing the full story. After all, coffee is supposed to be hot. In reality, McDonald’s has had over 700 complaints filed concerning the scalding temperatures of its coffee, which is served between 180 and 190 degrees for “optimum flavour.” To put that in perspective, coffee at most restaurants is served at around 140 degrees. Liebeck tried to solicit McDonald’s for a mere $800 to cover the skin grafts required for her injuries, but McDonald’s refused. Ultimately, the jury settled, awarding Liebeck $2.7 million.

2) Overton v Anheuser-Busch

Richard Overton sued Anheuser-Busch for false advertising when drinking a six-pack of Bud Light failed to produce visions of beautiful women on a balmy beach. He sought damages for $10,000, claiming that this deceptive marketing caused him emotional and psychological distress. In other words, Overton was mad that drinking beer didn’t equal hot beach babes. The case was dropped, of course. Hopefully Overton learned a lesson or two about the difference between fantasy and reality. In reality, drinking excessive amounts of Bud Light will only give you a sizable beer gut and a noticeable repellent towards bikini-clad women.

3) Normal v Honda

The parents of Karen Norman sued Honda when their daughter died from not being able to escape from her Civic after backing into Galveston Bay. At first, the case sounds somewhat legitimate, until you learn the rest of the facts. For example, the Normans sued Honda because their daughter was unable to hit the emergency release button on the seatbelt. However, she failed to hit the button most likely because she had a blood-alcohol level of 0.17 and shouldn’t have been driving in the first place. The incident happened at 2am with passenger Josel Woods in the passenger seat. Woods was able to swim to safety. Here’s the kicker: the jury actually awarded the parents with just 25% of the damages considered contributorily negligent. Thus, the Normans basically sued and won against Honda in spite of their daughter’s obvious irresponsibility for driving under the influence.

4) Aitken v NBC

5) Peters v Universal Studios

6) Chiscolm v Bank of America

7) Rosenberg v Google

8) Roller v Blaine & Copperfield

9) PETA v Division of Fish and Wildlife

10) Kellogg v Exxon

You can read the rest of them by clicking here.