Trends in Nuclear Verdicts Against Corporations in 2024

This report presents an analysis of nuclear verdicts, defined as jury awards exceeding $10 million, against corporate defendants in the United States for the year 2024. The findings indicate a significant increase, with 135 lawsuits resulting in such verdicts, marking a 52% rise from the previous year. The total amount awarded reached $31.3 billion, reflecting a 116% increase compared to 2023. The report details the rise in 'thermonuclear verdicts'—those exceeding $100 million—highlighting a record of 49 cases in 2024. Various industries were affected, with beverages and entertainment facing the largest verdicts. The report also notes geographic trends, with Nevada leading in total verdicts due to product liability cases. Additionally, it discusses legislative responses to these trends, including attempts to reform tort laws in several states. The report concludes by indicating that the trend of increasing nuclear verdicts is expected to continue into 2025, influenced by factors such as corporate mistrust and changing jury demographics.