Real-world claims don’t always come from the risks businesses expect. From a fatal dog attack and a defective fertility product to a school hazing incident and a wrongful termination dispute, these cases involve circumstances that may seem unlikely but resulted in significant financial and legal consequences. While no organization can predict every claim it may face, understanding potential exposures and having the right insurance protections in place can help businesses prepare for the unexpected.
Settlement Reached After Woman Killed by Neighbor’s Dogs — Liability
A condominium association, its property manager and two former dog wardens have agreed to a $17 million settlement after a woman was killed by two dogs. According to the lawsuit, the victim was gardening on her condo patio when two pitbulls escaped her neighbor’s property and fatally attacked her. One of the dogs had previously attacked another condo resident and fatally injured her puppy, according to court filings. The wrongful death suit alleged that the dog warden’s office failed to seize the dogs and that the condominium association failed to act despite knowing they were dangerous. The settlement was distributed between the victim’s two adult children, six grandchildren and the estate of her husband, who witnessed the attack and died months later. The dogs’ owners were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in a separate trial.
Fertility Company Agrees to Pre-trial Settlement Over Defective IVF Solutions — Product Liability
A global medical device and fertility company has agreed to a pre-trial settlement of $271.6 million following a recall of its culture media, a laboratory solution used in fertility treatment. According to the lawsuit, a defective batch of the solution—used during a vitro fertilization (IVF) to support embryo development—caused the embryos to die, affecting approximately 1,500 people. Consequently, hundreds of families lost embryos and experienced setbacks in their fertility journeys. Problems with the company’s internal procedures allowed the defective solution to be released to customers, according to court filings. The culture media solution was recalled in December 2023. The settlement is expected to help fund future rounds of fertility treatment for affected patients.
Jury Awards $17 Million in School Hazing Assault Case — Liability
A school district has been ordered to pay $17 million after a 2023 hazing assault on two students. Hazing refers to activities expected of participants in a group that humiliate, degrade or abuse. According to court filings, the victims were at a school football camp when several teammates pinned them down and forcibly applied battery-powered massage gun to their genitals, recording the assault and later circulating it around the school. One of the victims was also called racial slurs before, during and after the attack, and both were left suffering from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The school district was found liable for failing to protect the students from foreseeable harm and for failing to comply with mandatory reporting laws after receiving reports of the assault. The superintendent also removed references to racial discrimination from the report on the assault before sharing it with families. The jury awarded one victim $8 million, another $7 million. and the victims’ four parents $500,000 each.
Former Bank Executive Awarded $80 Million in Wrongful Termination Suit — Employment Practices Liability
A former bank executive has been awarded approximately $80 million after suing his employer for wrongful termination. The lawsuit alleged that the bank calculated the man’s earnings in a way that meant they wouldn’t have to pay performance-based bonuses under his long-term incentive plan. He repeatedly raised the issue and was fired as a result in 2024. The jury found the bank liable for unpaid wages, wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation and breach of contract. The man was awarded more than $62 million in punitive damages and more than $16 million in compensatory damages and statutory penalties.
These cases may seem extraordinary, but unexpected claims can arise from everyday operations, decisions, and circumstances. The right insurance coverage cannot prevent a loss from occurring, but it can play an important role in helping your business respond when one does. If you’re unsure whether your current coverage is equipped to handle an unexpected claim, contact our team to review your policies, identify potential gaps, and help ensure your business is prepared for what comes next.
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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.
