Football season is all about preparation. Teams spend countless hours planning for what might happen on game day, but the unexpected still finds a way onto the field. The same is true in everyday life. Sometimes a routine activity takes an unexpected turn, and what seemed like a small incident becomes a major insurance claim. Here are four real-world examples that show why being risk ready matters.
School District Ordered to Pay $4.8 Million After Student Collapsed on Football Field — Liability
A school district has been ordered to pay $4.8 million after a ninth-grade student suffered heatstroke and collapsed during an outdoor football practice on an “incredibly hot day” in June 2022. The lawsuit alleged that school officials failed to check the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a tool used to measure environmental heat stress that considers factors such as temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. The WBGT exceeded 92.1 degrees Fahrenheit, a threshold at which practice should have been canceled. In addition, school officials failed to implement a heat acclimatization plan to help students become accustomed to the heat over time, nor did they put heatstroke-prevention measures in place, such as a cold-water immersion tub. The student was in the hospital for nearly two months, now walks with a brace, and has an increased risk of developing arthritic conditions and heart issues, according to his attorney. The school district is planning to appeal the verdict.
Middlesex Jury Awards $56 Million After Local Man Hit by Delivery Van — Auto Liability
A man has been awarded $56 million after a delivery van from an e-commerce company struck his vehicle. According to the lawsuit, the van operator was driving carelessly and with gross negligence after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel. Court documents state that a driver monitoring camera recorded him repeatedly closing his eyes and drifting into oncoming traffic before crossing a double yellow line and colliding with the victim’s vehicle. Although the camera system could issue audible warnings when it detected potentially dangerous driving behavior, testimony at trial indicated that many of these warnings had been intentionally disabled. The victim suffered a below-the-knee amputation, organ damage, multiple fractures, and a brain injury.
Genetic Testing Firm Agrees to $18 Million Settlement Following Data Breach — Cyber Liability
A genetic testing firm has agreed to a pretrial settlement of $18 million following a data breach in 2023. The incident exposed sensitive customer information, including genetic ancestry data, some of which was later offered for sale on the dark web. The company initially denied a breach and later attributed the incident to consumers reusing compromised credentials. However, a multistate investigation found that the company lacked critical cybersecurity measures, including tools to monitor unusual login activity and safeguards against credential stuffing attacks. According to the New York Attorney, these security shortcomings placed millions of customers’ personal information at risk. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2025, and the settlement was capped at $18 million based on the funds available through the bankruptcy process.
Recycling Company to Pay $2.6 Million in Sex Discrimination Settlement — Employment Practices Liability
An Alabama recycling company has agreed to a $2.6 million settlement to resolve a sex discrimination lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that between 2006 and 2022, the company intentionally hired only men for laborer positions, converted shower and locker room facilities into men-only spaces, and instructed third-party staffing agencies to refer only male applicants. The alleged practices continued even after a whistleblower raised concerns. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to implement mandatory anti-discrimination training for employees and appoint a Title VII coordinator to help oversee its employment policies and practices.
While organizations can’t always predict where a claim will come from, scenarios like these are why it’s so important to understand potential exposures. The question isn’t whether a risk looks likely, it’s whether your organization is prepared if it does occur. If you’re unsure how your organization’s coverage would respond, contact our team to review your current policies and identify potential gaps.
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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.
