“Nuclear verdicts” isn’t just a buzzphrase. These jury awards exceeding $10 million are becoming more frequent and severe. And for claims professionals, this isn’t just a legal or media trend—it’s a fundamental shift in risk exposure. These outcomes are reshaping claims strategy, influencing reserving practices, and driving a more proactive approach to litigation management and settlement decisions.
The Numbers Tell The Story
Since 2010, nuclear verdicts have surged. Between 2010 and 2019, the median award jumped from $19.3 million to $24.6 million—a 27.5% climb that eclipsed inflation (17.2%) in that same span, according to data