LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A California man alleges he felt "ripped off and cheated" because of a 29 cent "drink upcharge" McDonald's added to the price of his combo meal purchase, allegedly without his knowledge.
Paul Bledsoe filed a complaint on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated on Sept. 28 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against McDonald's USA LLC and Does 1-10 alleging violation of California's False Advertising Act, Unfair Competition Law and Consumer Legal Remedies Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that he bought a combo meal from McDonald's on Sept. 20, 23, and 25, 2017. The suit states the combo meal he purchased Sept. 20, 2017, included an Egg McMuffin, hash browns and coffee for $5.10 before tax. He alleges he was charged an additional 29 cents for small coffees, which was marked as a "drink upcharge" on his receipts. He alleges he was never informed he would be charged a drink upcharge.
The plaintiff holds McDonald's USA LLC and Does 1-10 responsible because the defendants allegedly made false representations and charged consumers more than the advertised price.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks actual damages or full restitution, punitive damages, attorneys' fees, cost, pre- and post-judgment interest and all other relief the court may deem proper. He is represented by Todd M. Friedman, Adrian R. Bacon, Meghan E. George, and Thomas E. Wheeler of Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman PC in Woodland Hills.
The defendant filed to remove the case to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Nov. 1.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California case number 2:18-cv-09354