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- A woman claims a McDonald's outlet in Alabama served her coffee containing a "harmful chemical."
- Sherry head stated that the staff refused to call 911 or allow her to inspect the label of the chemical bottle.
- The plaintiff filed a $13million suit against the fast-food chain claiming that the chemical had harmed her.
A woman claims that a McDonald's restaurant in Alabama served her a coffee containing a "harmful chemical" that damaged her throat and organs.
Staff refused to call 911, or allow her and emergency responders to see the label on the chemical bottles so they could decide the correct treatment.
Sherry Head, a Florida plaintiff, filed a lawsuit against Fast Food giants on September 19, seeking $13 Million in damages. KTLAThe lawsuit was first reported.
"The health and safety of our customers and employees is always a top priority," Gerry Murphy, one of the restaurant's owner-operators, told Insider in a comment provided by McDonald's.
Head ordered a caramel macchiato at the drive-thru of the McDonald's restaurant at 3520 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan in December 2020. The lawsuit states she was told by one staff member that she couldn't have the coffee because the machine was being cleaned, but then heard another say the machine was "ready to go."
Head was then informed by a staff member at the drive-thru that her drink would be served. According to the lawsuit, it came with a cap.
"Plaintiff pulled forward, drank a portion of the caustic chemical liquid, and immediately began to experience a burning and numbing sensation in her mouth and throat," according to the lawsuit.
At this point, Head removed the lid from the cup "and saw that the liquid was not coffee, but appeared to be some type of chemical," it stated.
Head pulled back through the drive-thru line and told employees what had happened, according to the lawsuit, after which the manager "screamed" at staff and said they should have been "more careful." The manager told Head that it was "fine," per the lawsuit.
Head demanded to see the label on the chemical bottle. She asked what to do next, but the manager refused to allow her access.
The suit claimed that the manager refused to dial 911 or poison control, and slammed a drive-thru glass shut. Head had to call 911.
McDonald's staff also refused to grant emergency responders' request to view the bottle once they arrived, the lawsuit alleged.
"As a direct result of drinking the dangerous chemical concoction served to her by McDonald's, plaintiff suffered injuries to her mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, digestive tract, and other internal organs," the lawsuit said. "McDonald's conduct towards the plaintiff was atrocious and utterly intolerable."
Head is seeking $10 million in punitive and compensatory damages as well as $3 million in damages. The lawsuit was filed against McDonald's, its Alabama branch, and the two owner-operators of the franchised restaurant.
"Immediately upon learning of this concern, we conducted a thorough investigation to understand the facts," Murphy told Insider. "We are aware of the complaint filed in the circuit court of Houston County, Alabama."
The lawsuit listed a series of other instances where McDonald's allegedly served cleaning chemicals to customers in drinks including iced tea, hot chocolate, lattes, and Coke.
