A woman who claims she was served chemicals instead of a coffee at a drive-thru McDonald's is suing the fast food retailer.
The lawsuit alleges that Sherry Head was served chemicals that caused her ongoing health problems, after she ordered a a caramel macchiato in December 2020.
She claims that instead of the ordered hot beverage, chemicals were poured into the cup she received.
The lawsuit alleges that Ms Head now suffers throat and other issues, and may need surgery to repair damage caused by the chemicals intended to clean the restaurant’s coffee makers.
“I took a sip, and immediately my mouth and throat went numb, then started burning,” Ms Head told WTVY in the US.
“Now I have permanent scarring in my throat and may need corrective surgery.”
Ms Head then pulled back to the drive-thru, where she requested assistance but, the lawsuit adds, but employees at the restaurant in Alabama ignored her pleas and Head called the emergency services herself.
Alyssa Baxley, Ms Head’s attorney, claims the employees were of no help even when authorities arrived.
“When first responders arrived, McDonald’s employees again refused to help, denying the requests from medical personnel to show them the bottle of the chemical that had been served to her, despite Sherry needing emergency care,” Ms Baxley said.
The lawsuit filed on Monday demands $3 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages.
It names a McDonald’s in Dothan and Murphy Family Restaurants, the franchisee, as defendants.
Gerry Murphy, the owner and operator of the restaurant at the centre of the lawsuit, told the Mirror: "The health and safety of our customers and employees is always a top priority. Immediately upon learning of this concern, we conducted a thorough investigation to understand the facts. We are aware of the complaint filed in the circuit court of Houston County, Alabama.”
