03/12/2025
Congratulations to Segal McCambridge Shareholder Alice Johnston whose article "Nuclear Verdicts' Rise Means Defendants Should Set a Roadmap" has been published in Bloomberg Law.
As personal injury and product liability verdicts continue to rise into the billions, the risk of "nuclear verdicts" (awards exceeding $10 million) has become a growing concern for defendants. While media headlines often celebrate these massive verdicts, they rarely highlight when such decisions are reduced or reversed. This one-sided narrative can set dangerous expectations for future jurors.
"By planning for the possibility of an appeal from the outset, trial teams can better safeguard against a nuclear verdict and position the case for a successful appeal if necessary, increasing the chances of reducing the ultimate liability," she writes.
Planning for an appeal from the start, with the help of experienced appellate counsel, can also safeguard against potential nuclear verdicts. By adopting a strategic, multi-pronged approach, defendants can better navigate these high-risk cases and ensure a stronger resolution. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/41CwEfT