Criminal Civil Cases: Devastating Social Change Examples

Civil liability lawsuits can force real social change—companies often modify products or policies after a single high-profile verdict or settlement. For example, hot beverage burn cases have led major chains to lower serving temperatures and improve warnings to reduce injuries. This article explains criminal vs civil cases and highlights devastating examples that shifted safety standards and accountability.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“I’ve heard recently that Starbucks and a couple of other fast-food places have lowered the temperature of some of their hot beverages because of that exact situation.”

Spencer Freeman – Personal Injury Attorney – Pierce County, WA

“But that’s an example of where the justice system works to change our society. Right? So, we might be thinking we’re talking about a silly example with the temperature of a hot beverage, but if…let’s say those establishments were keeping their beverages at a certain temperature because it lasted longer and it was better for the business. But it caused damage to somebody and it resulted in a significant award for that person. But now, that has now changed how all these other establishments are keeping their beverages. So now, they’re reducing it, and it may not be as great for the business, may cost the business more money, but it’s safer for the consumer. So, that’s an example of how the justice system can work. It’s not just about that one case. It can alter how everybody’s acting in society.”