As the end of the year quickly approaches, many take time to reflect on 2025 as a whole and make resolutions for a better 2026. Overall, 2025 was kind in the world of risk and insurance in many ways, including lower than expected storms across the country. However, in reflecting on the past few years, many are still reeling from receiving unwanted gifts, and I don’t mean a lump of coal in our stockings. There has been a much more dreaded gift handed out but not from Santa–from the courts. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to talk about the top Nuclear Verdicts that were delivered in 2024.
Law.com compiled their list of the top dollar verdicts and provided judgment summaries that should make anyone’s head spin. By category, the increases from 2023 to 2024 have had considerable growth, with the top category of Products Liability going from an already astounding $5.745 Million to an unthinkable $13,344 Million on average. Similarly, contract litigation soared from an average verdict of $1,080 Million to $6,529 million, which is more than a 500% increase. While the average Motor Vehicle verdict only rose an average of $200 Million, those verdicts make up some of the most common and largest that we see.
Over the last four years, we’ve seen a trend for Mega-Nuclear verdicts rising an average of 61% annually. Excluding a $301 Billion (No, the B in that number is not a typo – it is actually BILLION) outlier, there was still a combined average of Nuclear and Mega-Nuclear verdicts exceeding $225 Million.
Looking at some real-world cases makes it easy to see how companies can be at risk. In the Florida case of Miller, Lopez, and Santiago v. Trollinger, KandN Logging, and Legree, a $141,549,000 verdict was returned after courts found negligence and liability against all defendants after Ellis Trollinger began a 3-car chain reaction. Trollinger was traveling 67 in a 45 MPH zone. Since Mr. Trollinger was driving a work vehicle, Candi Legree as president of KandN Logging company was brought into the suit under allegations that there had not been any screening of Mr. Trollinger prior to his hire and assignment to a company vehicle. Mr. Trollinger’s prior arrests included speeding in a commercial vehicle, driving under the influence, and careless driving just to name a few. Since it was determined that these arrests predated his employment, the fact that Legree never checked his driving or arrest history, allowing him to operate a company vehicle was deemed negligent.
In another whopping $83,803,500 verdict case out of California, Rodriguez and Gomez v. The Original Mowbray’s Tree Service and Gonzalez-Varillas, claims of Negligent Entrustment and Hiring were brought after Plaintiff counsel showed that the day of the incident, an employee of Mowbray’s had driven to several bars and was intoxicated prior to the accident. It was determined that the company knew that Mr. Varillas lacked a valid driver’s license and had a drinking problem. It was also brought into question that Mr. Varilas was previously reprimanded for drinking, resulting in property damage at a business event the day after he was hired. A costly lesson for the company at the end of the day.
These are only two examples in a list of many claims where vicarious liability on employers comes in to play. While there are many uncontrollable factors that impact how much is returned in verdict, such as changing jury attitudes and social inflation, there are things that companies can do to help avoid becoming a number on this countdown. Businesses should always engage in adequate background screening to include MVR review and standards and formal training of new hires. Further, it is really important to confirm that insurance coverage in place offers sufficient limits to protect your organization in the event of costly litigation.
To read more about the top verdicts on this report, visit the complete report on law.com. If you’d like help in reviewing hiring and screening protocols, learning more about the potential exposures your business faces, or reviewing your current risk management program, visit us as sentinelra.com to engage our Risk Performance Group, HR Consulting and Prepaid Legal Services, or connect with one of our experienced team members who can help you protect your business. At Sentinel, we are Built to be more than a Broker!
