As of fall 2000, GM was still appealing the verdict in the case. It seems that in this case GM put a price on life. That's why the jurors felt the need to compensate the victims for their pain, and then to send a message to GM and other companies that it is unconscionable and unacceptable for profits to be put ahead of people's safety. A lot of politicians talk about the importance of responsibility and accountability, but some of them actually want to protect companies like GM from the customers they hurt. Fortunately, juries don't have to remind defendants of their responsibilities by imposing punitive damages that often.
Lets hope that corporate misbehavior remains rare.
While punitive damages can deter some malicious acts, we'd all sleep better it juries never had to impose this kind of punishment at all.