Don't work that way. The finger story got fairly large exposure immediately. Her plan was to sue for big bucks which would've kept it in the news...just not to this degree perhaps.
Wendy's did what they had to do. In the long haul, most people will learn that this was a scam...rather than believing that body parts routinely turn up in Wendy's food offerings.
This woman just doesn't know how the game is played. She got greedy, and now, hopefully, will be going to jail.
How stupid did she have to be to think she could actually go to a jury trial with this thing and emerge with anything other than a set of handcuffs? She's pulled this scam before, for crying out loud! If she wants to go after Wendy's publically, all that is going to come out. Wendy's can't just roll over and take it, if they are being pilloried in the press.
After this woman went public, I agree with you, Wendy's had nothing to lose. They were screwed, and the only way out was through. Now their only consolation is vindication (long after the fact) as this woman recieves both barrels from the legal system.
I hope the Prosecutor can find some novel things to charge her with, like extortion, and find a way to fine her for the lost revenues of the Wendy's chain. Those fines are no longer dischargable in bankruptcy, in many cases. She could owe money to Wendy's for the rest of her life.