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CLAYTON — A family here is suing McDonalds’s after their son was severely burned by hot coffee, in circumstances nearly identical to a scalding spill that prompted a woman to file a now-famous lawsuit against the fast-food giant decades ago.
Katarina O’Reilly filed the suit this week on behalf of her minor son, who she said suffered second-degree burns on his legs and genitals in 2021.
Her attorney, Alex Wolff, said they hope to hold the company accountable.
“Someone got really badly hurt and we want to figure out why it happened,” he said.
Wolff said the boy, whose age was not disclosed, went with his father to pick up coffee for his mom before her work shift Dec. 5, 2021.
The two were in a McDonald’s drive-thru, at 15204 Manchester Road in Ballwin, when an employee handed the boy’s father two hot coffees, Wolff said. He placed them in the car’s cup holders and then took a drink caddy from the fast-food worker.
As the father and son were putting the coffees into the caddy, one of the drinks spilled, Wolff said. The lid popped off and hot liquid fell onto the boy’s lap, burning his legs and genitalia, he said.
“The reason that this keeps happening is because these corporations make a calculus of how many incidents they can pay for and still make sure the coffee is hot,” Wolff said. “We look forward to finding out what McDonalds has to say about why their coffee needs to be served this hot and what happened with the lid.”
The McDonald’s press office did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The suit blames the fast-food restaurant for serving too-hot coffee, not securing the lid and not training its employees properly. It asked for damages in excess of $25,000.
This lawsuit is similar to a well-known case against McDonalds dating back to the 1990s.
Stella Liebeck, 79, in 1992 suffered third-degree burns after she spilled hot coffee in her lap while sitting in a McDonald’s drive-thru.
She underwent several skin graft surgeries and eventually sued the company. A jury awarded her nearly $3 million in punitive damages, but a judge ultimately reduced the award by more than 80%. After that, Liebeck and McDonald’s reached a confidential settlement.
Her case became widely publicized and was often misrepresented as an example of frivolous lawsuits, with many people believing her burns were less serious and that she was driving when she spilled the coffee.
More recently, in May 2023, a jury found McDonald’s at fault after a hot Chicken McNugget from a Happy Meal fell on a little girl’s leg and caused second-degree burns in Florida.
The McDonald’s Corporation has been sued for personal injuries at least 29 times in St. Louis County since the 1980s, court records show.
In a similar case against another corporate giant, a delivery driver in March was awarded $50 million in a lawsuit after being seriously burned when a Starbucks drink spilled in his lap at a California drive-thru.
A Los Angeles County jury ruled in favor of Michael Garcia, who underwent skin grafts and other procedures on his genitals after a large hot tea drink spilled on him on Feb. 8, 2020.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Post-Dispatch photographers capture hundreds of images each week; here's a glimpse at the week of April 20, 2025. Video edited by Jenna Jones.
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Lamar Murry, 51, was driving the school bus as a substitute driver when he became angry with several students who were the back of the bus, co…
Officers were called just after 8 p.m. to the 1800 block of Longford Drive, St. Louis County police said.
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On April 8, Ballwin voters elected an African American woman to the city's Board of Aldermen for the first time. Tequila Gray won her ward’s race by nine votes.
“Ballwin is ready for a change, and even though I don't fit the image of what they think Ballwin looks like, Ballwin is ready for a new image,” Gray said. “I need everyone to know that because I can do this, other people can do it too.”
The alderwoman-elect never had ambitions to be in government, but it was a few unpleasant encounters with some members of the board that motivated the low-voltage electrician to campaign for a seat at the table.
Prior to running, Gray asked her alderman at the time what could be done in her neighborhood to curb speeding. She said the alderman dismissed the question and told her "that's just the way we do it," and then walked away.
She was not pleased with her encounter, so she went to the next board meeting and asked the entire board the same question. The board members did not provide Gray with a solution either. She later asked her neighbors for their opinions on the board members.
“They were like, ‘That's why nobody goes, because they don't listen to us, they blow us off,’” Gray said. “So, I started going to the meetings, and I did see that they are just as dismissive to everyone else as they were to me. That's what sparked it.”
The wife and mother of four said she knows that being the city's first Black alderwoman will bring its challenges, but she is prepared for what is to come. Gray only wants her new colleagues to respect her opinions.
“These first six months are going to be me fighting for respect, hopefully they'll accept everything … but I'm prepared for whatever,” she said. “I just need them to consider the things that I bring and the things that I suggest.”
Gray was born and raised in St. Louis. She and her family moved to Ballwin a decade ago and immediately became members of her neighborhood’s homeowner association. She said that was important for her because they were the only African American family in the neighborhood at the time.
She said she wanted to create a sense of belonging since there were few people of color in the area. Since then, her neighbors have championed her to improve public safety and transparency from the Board of Aldermen.
“My goal is to make the board realize that they work for us. You're supposed to be representing us,” she said. “And also make them more accessible to people. If people feel like you're going to blow them off, then of course they're not going to come. I want to be able to encourage people to come out.”
Before running for office, Gray attended every board meeting for at least a year and brought up every issue her neighbors discussed.
“There are issues with our streets. They feel like our streets need to be better, and there is room for improvement on that,” she said. “There is a budget, and we have to work within the budget … but just because we have a restriction doesn't mean that you can't communicate to the people. Everything is fixable if you communicate, and that's a thing that we have to improve on.”
Last month, at the intersection of Old and New Ballwin Roads, a pedestrian was hit by a speeding car. In the same month, a St. Louis County police officer attempted to stop a driver speeding off Manchester Road near Seven Trails Drive while striking a few city signs along the way.
Ballwin Alderwoman Pamela Haug, who also serves Ward 2, is excited that the city elected Gray to its board and is ready to get more work done for their ward.
“We need representation for all, and this is a step in the right direction,” Haug said. “I have no doubt that Tequila will make a great impact on our community, and I feel lucky to witness such a positive change."
During Gray’s first few months, she plans to address speeding and walkability, schedule meetings with the Missouri Department of Transportation and hold town halls to help build trust with her constituents. However, she believes her biggest job will be proving to the board and the city that there is room for all people in government.
“It doesn't have to just be one of us.” Gray said. “Whether it be women, whether it be Black people, whatever, we don't have to keep the same board that you're complaining about. There's room for everybody now.”
Dining
The metro area will soon have a new option for halal pizza
Mizan Halal Pizza (15523 Manchester) is slated to open this Saturday in Ballwin
have designed the menu in line with their Middle Eastern heritage
“The recipe for many pizzas comes from back home,” says Khalil
“Palestinian and Jordanian flavors are pretty much the same
Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to stay up-to-date on the local restaurant and culinary scene
The Gyro pizza—with gyro meat and Tzatziki sauce—is among the standouts
Khalil also recommends the Chicken Shawarma pizza
topped with a rich garlic paste and pickles
where I learned the recipe for the chicken shawarma,” says Khalil
“Now we are offering that shawarma as a pizza topping
We have delivered the shawarma pizza to various schools and colleges
Those who prefer more traditional U.S flavors might try the American Hot (with roquito peppers and halal pepperoni) or the Buffalo Chicken
Customers can also create their own pizzas or order one-topping options
The pizzeria also serves halal chicken wings
Khalil has wanted to open a halal pizzeria in St
but there weren’t a lot of halal options out there,” says Khalil
who’s worked at various restaurants and other businesses in St
“So I thought I should start a halal pizzeria for the Muslim community of St
Mizan is the third pizzeria in St. Louis to offer halal pizza. Masala Pizza (13431 Olive)
featuring chicken tikka masala and butter chicken
as well as a wide range of veggie pizzas with paneer toppings
As halal pizza options grow in St. Louis, devout Muslims can enjoy a range of pepperoni, ham, sausage, and other meat toppings. And for those who do not follow Islamic dietary laws, the pizzerias offer scrumptious flavors from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
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Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCLAYTON
(First Alert 4) - A Ballwin man is facing criminal charges after authorities say he followed three women in a harassing manner on different occasions at Shaw Park in Clayton
Clayton Police said in a news release that 28-year-old Brendan T
Yeager was arrested on Monday and later charged with three counts of first-degree harassment
Police said three victims reported that in separate incidents in April they were followed by Yeager
When they tried to speed up to get away from him
Yeager allegedly continued to match pace in a harassing manner
All the victims told police they feared for their safety
Yeager followed the victim into her nearby apartment building
Police said that Yeager is known to frequent other area parks
Anyone who believes they were harassed by the suspect is advised to contact their local police
when owner Bob Candice announced on social media that his namesake restaurant
the news was not all bad: The post read
“with much deliberation Candicci’s has made the decision to move forward with a new venture offering the same great Italian food you’ve come to know and love for catering only.”
The location was not announced at the time, only that it would remain “in the heart of Ballwin.” Earlier this month, Candicci’s Catering & Express (14870 Clayton) opened near the corner of Clayton and Baxter in the former Chirco’s Pizza space
The restaurant is open daily from 11a.m.–8 p.m. Here’s what to know before you go
Candice says that due to recent changes in the restaurant landscape (lack of staffing
Candicci’s business model needed to change as well
“Customers supported us during the pandemic with catering orders and picking up food from the restaurant
and we responded by offering enticements like family takeout deals,” he says
a lot of our customers didn’t immediately come back to dine in person
but the dining room was no longer busy, so we knew we had to make some changes.”
The result: Candicci’s Catering and Express
1,000-square-foot storefront that focuses on offsite catering
though pickup and delivery of Candicci’s classic dishes are available as well.
The former includes a wide variety of pastas
and even a buffet option with additional offerings
The latter features familiar appetizers (including eggplant Parmesan and two kinds of toasted ravioli)
Louis-style thin-crust or New York-style hand-tossed)
More than 20 menu items are named after employees and family members
the people “important to me and my business…my heart and soul,” the menu reads
are among those who garner a mention on the menu
with the most expensive item priced at $21.99
Candice is especially proud of his stellar reputation as a restaurant caterer for the past 40 years
“We work hard for the 4.8 rating that we’ve maintained over the years,” he says
The operation even delivers to clients more than two hours away
‘No order is too big or too small.’ Maybe we should add
‘Or too far away,”’ he quips.
The phone number for Candicci’s Catering and Express is 314-220-8989; the new catering number is 314-901-2280
Candice opened the first Candicci’s location in a tiny space at 7910 Bonhomme in Clayton (now Rearn Thai)
where he quickly developed a reputation for reasonably priced Italian fare
he moved the restaurant to a larger space at 12513 Olive in Creve Coeur
before moving to 100 Holloway Road in Ballwin in 2009
“When I opened my first place at the age of 23
I never thought I’d still be at it 44 years later,” he says
and doing exactly what we should be doing.”
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Louis County Prosecutor’s office told reporters after a Thursday bond reduction hearing for Yahya Maly
a sixth victim has come forward and that might not be all
“We are fearful and somewhat certain that there could be other potential victims,” said Melissa Price Smith
Though no additional charges have been filed for a sixth victim as of Friday afternoon
Price Smith said related charges for the sixth person would be presented to the grand jury
He has been diagnosed with anxiety – He is not a threat to anyone.”
especially in a case with these type of serious charges,” said Price Smith
His bond reduction attempt was denied by a Circuit Court County Judge Julia Pusateri Lasater writing “the court will make no change to the bond
The court finds that he is a flight risk and a danger to the community.”
“He is a flight risk,” the state said in the conditions of release order after review document
He was just a student here but is no longer enrolled.”
The state also pointed out Maly’s ability to allegedly discover ungiven information
One victim says that (Maly) found out her full name even though she did not give him her full name
Another says that he found where she was going to school though she did not tell him.”
He faces 13 felony counts including rape and attempted rape
“I want to get him because it’s so wrong,” said Ashley Bailey-Smith
Maly is held in county jail awaiting a March third preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m
BALLWIN — Misouri American Water will be canvassing Ballwin neighborhoods for the next few weeks in an effort to find any residential pipes that may contain lead
The city of Ballwin posted on its Facebook page that the surveyors are aware which lines contain lead on the company side
but aren't sure which customer lines contain lead
The survey is a part of the city's effort to replace all lead-filled lines by 2030
Part of the inspection requires Missouri American Water workers to enter homes in Ballwin
the city stresses that inspectors will have a badge and other means of identification to verify who they are
It's also important to note that if your lines contain lead
"Missouri American Water regularly tests for lead in drinking water and the water meets state and federal water quality regulations
including those services with lead," the city said
call Missouri American Water at (866)-430-0820
Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on Wednesday issued more than a dozen charges against a Ballwin man who police say raped and kidnapped several women over the past two years
Prosecutors released new information about the suspect at a press conference Thursday
saying he was under investigation for months prior to the arrest and attending college nearby
kidnapping and sodomy in connection with five incidents from March 2023 to Febuary 2025
Investigators believe there may be more victims.
“These crimes have caused terrible pain and trauma for the victims,” said Melissa Price Smith
“Their courage coming forward has made all the difference…To anyone out there who is a victim of Mr
I want you to know your voice matters… Please come forward if you too have been a victim.”
assaulted women inside his Ballwin apartment after meeting them on dating apps
days after the fifth woman was assaulted according to investigators.
“I wish we could have brought it forth sooner…We’ve been working investigative leads for several months prior to this,” said Gerald Lohr
commanding officer for the Division of Criminal Investigation
“It's just the investigative nature of the way we collect information…We work as swiftly and as tirelessly as we can to bring forward a case that we can prosecute without tainting evidence.”
Police explain one victim was kept in Maly's room for seven hours before he allowed her to leave
One woman told police she agreed to take a walk with him at a park after the assault as a means of escaping
Investigators say the women are close in age and live in the St
“The victims are all very trusting,” said Gerald Lohr
commanding officer for the Division of Criminal Investigation. “The commonality here is this is an individual who puts himself out on a social media platform
and the victims all trusted him… on these platforms
which hundreds of hundreds of thousands of people use
it's important that you truly know who it is you’re meeting.”
Victim advocacy groups are providing resources and support to those who come forward
Investigators are also working with Logan College to obtain information about Maly and communicate with students
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 314-615-5400
BALLWIN, Mo.—As a cleaning crew serviced Natural Rarities in Ballwin, one cleaner cleaned out the client of thousands in currency and gold, according to court records
Louis County police officer reported he saw surveillance of a woman concealing store items between May 14
The manager of the cleaning business identified their employee as Debra Correll from Normandy
Officers say they tracked the stolen items to where she allegedly sold them,Scotsman Gold and Jewelry.
County prosecutors charged Debra Correll with Stealing - $25,000 or more/teller machine or contents - Class C felony
She is summoned to appear before a judge on April 3
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Louis County races resulted in razor thin margins after Tuesday’s election in Ballwin
Candidates may petition the circuit court for a recount if they were defeated by less than 1% of the vote
Louis County Board of Elections.
Ballwin’s aldermanic race between Tequila Gray and Bill Hinds ended in a difference of nine votes
according to the unofficial election results
The city Jennings council race between Denise Woods and Yolanda Marie Talley ended in a difference of one vote
Losing parties can request for recounts after the election is certified
Louis County Board of Elections also will hold a state-mandated
post-election manual recount required after every election
the Fire Protection District's Proposition F failed by five votes
Prop F would have provided funding to retain experienced firefighters and paramedics
and improve fire stations and infrastructure
“We wanted to thank everyone for their consideration of Proposition F,” a Facebook post states on Eureka Fire Protection District’s page