That whole case was actually misleading. That coffee was illegal to serve it was so hot. They had about four inspectors warn them about the temperature of the served liquid (boiling is too hot to serve as a drink) and they did nothing.
In THIS case (and believe me, I have seen way too many ridiculous lawsuits for people’s stupidity), but the judgement was a punishment more than making the person rich.
Judgements are for two reasons, compensation and punishment. This was a case of both, but more punishment for being negligent.
And other restaurants that don’t care to pay attention might look a little closer at what they do if they see the potential of a million dollar lawsuit.