Organizations face a wide range of liability risks that can arise across all areas of operation. From security failures and professional errors to executive decisions and workplace behavior, recent cases demonstrate how quickly these risks can escalate into significant financial and legal consequences. Understanding where these exposures exist is essential for organizations looking to protect their people, operations, and long-term stability proactively.
Jury Awards $779 Million to Family of Security Guard Shot Dead During Armed Robbery — Liability
The family of a security guard received a $779 million jury award after he was shot dead while trying to protect a cashier during an armed robbery at an internet café in Florida. The shooter was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder and related offenses. The victim’s family later filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit alleging that the café was operating as an illegal gambling facility and that the operators failed to take basic security steps to keep patrons and staff safe. In particular, the plaintiff’s attorney argued that the company had known about and ignored security risks because a prior gunpoint robbery had taken place just weeks earlier and wasn’t reported to law enforcement. Furthermore, a gun stolen in the preceding robbery was used in the fatal shooting, according to court filings. The jury ultimately found the café operators liable and returned a wrongful death verdict, awarding the victim’s family $779 million in damages.
Veteran’s Widow Awards $56 Million in Atlanta Medical Lawsuit — Medical Malpractice
A Fulton County jury has awarded a military veteran’s widow $56 million after finding an Atlanta dermatologist failed to diagnose and treat her husband’s skin cancer. The lawsuit alleged that the dermatologist misidentified a facial lesion as benign without performing a biopsy or referring the veteran to an oncologist. The cancer worsened and required extensive surgery, resulting in significant pain, facial disfigurement, and vision and hearing problems. According to case records, the veteran had a history of skin cancer and other health concerns that put him at a high risk of cancer recurrence, a fact that the dermatologist knew. His widow received a $48 million verdict, plus $8.8 million in interest, for a total of $56.8 million.
Judge Grants Final Approval of a $30 Million Settlement in Class Action Lawsuit — Directors and Officers
A judge has granted final approval of a $30 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against a major waste management company. The case arose after investors claimed they lost money on senior notes issued to finance the company’s planned acquisition of a waste disposal firm. The notes included a clause tying their value to the timing of the deal’s completion. Investors alleged that the company failed to disclose the extent of the regulatory hurdles which arose during a Department of Justice antitrust review, which delayed the acquisition beyond its deadline and triggered a clause requiring the company to repurchase the notes at a fixed price. This outcome limited potential returns for investors and resulted in financial losses compared to their expectations.
Jury Awards $5.7 Million in Sexual Harassment Case Against Real Estate CEO — Employment Practices Liability
A Dallas Real Estate CEO has been ordered to pay $5.7 million in damages to an employee he allegedly coerced into performing sexual acts. According to court documents, the CEO threatened to withhold payment for the woman’s daughter’s health insurance premiums if she refused, and when she complied, he provided better-quality sales leads. Furthermore, the judge found that the plaintiff was exposed to bodily fluids during sexual acts without her knowledge or consent, which constituted sexual assault. When she later refused to comply with his demands, the CEO retaliated by canceling her daughter’s health insurance. According to court filings, the plaintiff endured significant physical and emotional harm, including anxiety, depression and insomnia, and experienced such severe hair loss that she now wears wigs.
Liability risks can arise across all areas of an organization, and when they do, the financial impact can be significant. While not every risk can be prevented, having the right coverage and a proactive risk management strategy in place can make a meaningful difference. If you’re unsure whether your current policies are equipped to respond to these types of exposures, contact our team to review your coverage and help ensure your business is properly protected.
About The Plexus Groupe
The Plexus Groupe, a Top 100 independent insurance advisory firm, is supported by insurance professionals with deep industry experience, innovative resources, and an extensive international network. We offer defined practice specialties in Business Insurance, Employee Benefits, Private Client, Retirement Services, and Technology Services.
As a proud partner of Assurex Global – the world’s largest association of privately held insurance brokers – our risk management professionals provide tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients worldwide.
Headquartered in Deer Park, III., with additional offices across the U.S., The Plexus Groupe is committed to delivering personalized service, innovative solutions, and strategic insights that empower clients to thrive in today’s complex environment. Visit www.plexusgroupe.com to learn more.
This publication is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a licensed insurance professional or attorney for appropriate advice. ©2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
