Just read the older Posts. Should have done that in the first place.
So McDonalds were found liable.
Question is, are they going to appeal the decision?
Many a decision has been overturned on appeal. And then overturned again on the next court of appeal.
Whatever the merits of the case, I think the perceived effect an appeal will have on the public will be a major factor in deciding whether to appeal or not. They do have to be careful of not giving the impression of the big corporate giant versus the little guy on the street. Especially when the little guy on the street is a customer.
The odds are good that they will opt for better consumer relations, pay up and change their practices.
Wonder what they'll do? Put up signs? Prepare two coffees of different temperatures and give the customer the option? Or go back to luke-warm coffee?
EDIT: George, the fact that punitive damages were awarded means that the arbitrator (judge, civil jury?) felt that McDonald's was more than just negligent. While there are many reasons for giving punitve damages (such as being callous and uncaring), there very well could have been an adjudication of recklessness in addition to negligence.
[ May 31, 2003, 00:52: Message edited by: tbontob ]