Question

Buzz Coffee Shops is famous for its large servings of hot coffee. After a famous case involving McDonald’s, the lawyer for Buzz warned management (during 2014) that it could be sued if someone were to spill hot coffee and be burned. "With the temperature of your coffee, I can guarantee it’s just a matter of time before you’re sued for $1,000,000." Buzz felt the likelihood was remote. Unfortunately, in 2016, the lawyer’s prediction came true when a customer filed suit. After consulting with his attorney, Buzz felt the loss was possible but not likely or probable. The case went to trial in 2017, and the jury awarded the customer $400,000 in damages, which the company immediately appealed. Buzz felt a loss was probable but believed a lower amount could be negotiated. During 2018, the customer and the company settled their dispute for $150,000. What is the proper recording of this liability each year from 2016 through 2018 under GAAP?

Answer 1

Answer:

the proper recording of this liability each year from 2016 through 2018 under GAAP is $150,000.

Explanation:

since the first amount cannot be determinable now, we cannot record it as a liability.

After the settlement of the dispute by the customer and company outside the court the company should record the loss and a liability at an amount of $150,000 because it is certain and determinable now.