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Rotten Ronnie's coffee is good if you're bunged up. One cigarette and some of their java and POW! you're off to the bano.

My two cents on punitive damages (by the way, I am an attorney): The real issue is not how much a punitive award should be, but rather who should profit from it. If the trial bar truly believes its mantra that massive punitive damage awards are necessary to punish the corporate wrongdoer and deter others from similar conduct, how does it follow that those non-compensatory awards should go to the plaintiff and his/her attorney? Would not this money, which is essentially a fine levied for the common good, do more for the common good if dedicated, at least in large part, to charitable organizations or civic or public services? After all, the punishment to the defendant is the same, and society as a whole benefits. Or could it be that massive punitive damage awards are invariably sought in personal injury and product liability cases exactly because this does not happen?

I agree that we should be outraged when we encounter corporate indifference to the public safety. I also feel that we should be outraged at a legal system that provides a financial incentive to plaintiff's attorneys to put their hands in the pocket of every American who pays insurance premiums or purchases goods or services. Our legal system can and should compensate victims. Compensatory damages are designed to do just that. However, when it is determined that non-compensatory punishment in the form of punitive damages is warranted, our legal system is also very effective at redistribution of wealth and unjust enrichment.

Law, how much was the punitive damages? I had heard (opps, not a realiable source!) that is was in excess of a million dollars. Is that correct?
True again about the media just wants to "titillate" the masses, but wouldn't you think (there I go thinking again!) that the media attention in itself and all the finger-pointing and tounge-wagging that McD's would have done something about it? (re: fixing the problem) Bad publicity is not good for anyone. Corporation or not! And if you get plenty of it and often, maybe picket them? (remember those good old days?) That would have probably a better impact than money. Heck, they made up that punitive damage award in no time I'm sure.

OK, now there are 2 lawyers I like

dcg - you made my point - there are always sides - I just think people should know something about them (like whether the suit ever even existed :rolleyes: ) before spouting off opinions about the outcome.

dc - we just crossed each other. i was speaking to patatjemet.

no worries, you still be my homegirl. i am with you on frivilous lawsuits. my bro'g friend got rear ended last week, (her CAR guys, settle down), and he told me she's suing. the reason? she has a predisposed back injury & some genetic med condition. now, with the accident, she will lose MORE work, and has no time left. so, she is suing this guy cuz she has already missed too much work. i gave him such flack!!!

DANG! everytime i get the phone, i miss 5 posts. mine are all outta context now. waaaaaah!

KC - I agree with you 100% - California has started moving in that direction. Injured plaintiffs should be compensated and made as whole as possible, they shouldn't receive a windfall.

dcg - in excess of 1 mil would be my guess, I don't remember the specific amount - McDonalds didn't get the negative publicity until the injured party sued, thus no incentive to change prior to that. how much do you think an award would have to be to make an impact? same principle as a speeding ticket - would you be as worried if the fine was $5?

Jane, if the accident made existing injuries worse, who should bear the responsibility for that?

I usually get on my soapbox way to quick! (I think that's one of the things my dr. needs to change my meds on!) ha! I just am so tired of seeing people not taking resposibilites for their actions. Sorry guys. I'll.....get....off...soapbox....now...hey, what are yall doing with that net??!?!?!? GET that white coat offfa meeeeeeee!!!!!! HELP! I NEED A GOOD LAWYER!!!!!! :p