A Texas jury said the cable company Charter Communications, which does business as Spectrum, owes the family of Betty Jo McClain Thomas $7 billion in punitive damages for gross negligence. An internet installer for Spectrum stabbed Thomas then stole her credit cards and went on a spending spree in 2019. The jury found Charter liable, as the jury was told at trial of the company’s systemic failures in hiring and supervision. The jury also found that Charter intentionally or knowingly forged documents concerning an arbitration agreement.
