Negligence, accidents and unforeseen events can occur at any time to any organization. The cases below are real examples of how businesses faced high-stakes claims – and why having the right insurance coverage is essential before disaster strikes.
Former Hospital Executive Awarded $27.5 Million in Retaliation Case — Employment Practices Liability
A former chief nursing officer at a California hospital has been awarded $27.5 million after a jury found the hospital and its parent company had unlawfully retaliated against her and did not accommodate her disability. Hired in 2018, the executive oversaw patient safety. She claimed she was forced out of her position after raising concerns about patient care and safety standards. Her push for safety improvements – such as installing a barrier at a site where two individuals committed suicide and flagging outdated medical equipment, including anesthesia machines and defibrillators – was met with resistance, according to trial testimony. Additionally, she alleged the hospital prioritized budget over safety and suspected her of filing an anonymous regulatory complaint, according to her attorney. In May 2019, she took medical leave for a mental health condition, instead of accommodating her, the hospital replaced her. Internal communications submitted as evidence showed leadership intended to exaggerate their justification and planned to block her return.
Family Settles Lawsuit for $23.5 Million After Scaffolding Collapse Kills Man — Liability
The family of a man who died after falling 140 feet following a scaffolding collapse at a university medical center construction site in Illinois has settled a wrongful death lawsuit for $23.5 million, according to the family’s lawyer. The incident occurred in 2024 when a wind gust caused the scaffolding to fail. Another worker who survived the fall has filed a similar lawsuit that is still ongoing, and similar claims from other injured workers are also active. A judge’s approval of the settlement is still pending, though no issues are expected, according to the plaintiff’s attorneys. The lawsuit claimed the scaffolding should have been designed to withstand 80 mph winds but was unmoored at 44 mph gusts. The lawsuit also highlighted a safety flaw involving a piece of plywood and only three nails bridging a 3-foot corner gap.
Jury Awards HVAC Technician Over $76 Million After Explosion — Liability
An HVAC technician was awarded over $76 million by a Michigan jury after a refrigerant explosion at a grocery store resulted in the loss of most of his fingers. The 2020 incident occurred while the technician was performing repairs at the store. A defective refrigeration system released R22, a toxic chemical banned by the Environmental Protection Agency. According to news reports, the chemical exploded into the technician’s hands as he attempted to protect customers from the leak, resulting in severe chemical burns and injection injuries. He underwent 25 surgeries, leading to the amputation of most of his fingers. The technician’s attorney claimed that the company failed to maintain its refrigeration systems and withheld documentation related to maintenance, repairs and inspections. The plaintiff also alleged that the company delayed filing an incident report until two years after the explosion.
$30 Million Settlement Reached With 3 Survivors of Campus Shooting — Liability
A Michigan university has agreed to pay approximately $30 million to three students who survived a 2023 mass shooting on campus. According to the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the settlements were for $14.2 million, $13 million and $2.5 million. The incident left three students dead and five others injured when a gunman with no ties to the school opened fire inside two buildings. One plaintiff was shot in the head and requires lifelong care, another was paralyzed after being shot in the back and the third was shot in the chest. The families of the three students who were killed reached separate settlements with the university in late 2023. The shooter died by suicide after being confronted by police several miles from campus.
Claims like these don’t just happen to someone else – they can happen to anyone. Understanding where your risks lie and ensuring proper coverage limits are in place is critical. Want to make sure your business is prepared for the unexpected? Contact us today.
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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. ©2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
