Some people like to spread the false tale that thus was a frivolous attempt to extort money for a trivial matter by a person who had spilled their coffee, and to justify removal of consumer rights.
They are wrong.
"Liebeck went into shock and was taken to an emergency room at a hospital. She suffered
third-degree burns on six percent of her skin and lesser burns over sixteen percent
She remained in the hospital for eight days while she underwent skin
grafting. During this period, Liebeck lost 20 pounds (9.1 kg), nearly 20 percent of her body weight, reducing her to 83 pounds (38 kg). After the hospital stay, Liebeck needed care for three weeks, which was provided by her daughter.
Liebeck suffered permanent disfigurement after the incident and was partially disabled for two years."
It was an attempt by big business to evade responsibility for an injury.