'' Hot Coffee '' is a 2011 documentary film that analyzes and discusses the impact of tort reform on the United States judicial system . It is directed by Susan Saladoff , who has practiced as a medical malpractice attorney for at least 26 years . The film premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival on January 24 , 2011 , and later aired on HBO on June 27 , 2011 , as a part of HBO films documentary summer series . The title is derived from the '' Liebeck v. McDonald 's Restaurants '' lawsuit , in which the plaintiff Liebeck was severely burned after spilling into her lap hot coffee purchased from a McDonald 's
2011 Sundance Film Festival
2011 Sundance Film Festival
Hot Coffee (film)