Nuclear Verdicts: Understanding Their Impact on Your Organization

July 15, 2025

1:00 pm CDT

Nuclear Verdicts: Understanding Their Impact on Your Organization

Nuclear verdicts seem to always be in the news. These exceptionally high jury awards often exceed $10 million. While verdicts aim to provide justice and support for victims, they have a ripple effect, impacting liability costs for companies nationwide. It also puts responsible organizations at risk of shutting down.

Join us for a special panel discussion tailored for leaders in construction, nonprofit, and manufacturing, where we’ll uncover:

  • The critical impacts of nuclear verdicts can have on your organization and industry
  • Insight into who bears the financial burden when insurance does not cover the full settlement
  • Key buzzwords such as the famous “reptile theory” and how they’re reshaping litigation practices
  • How nuclear verdicts drive up auto insurance and umbrella coverage costs

Scott Jensen
Executive Vice President and National Construction Practice Leader
Amwins Insurance Brokerage, LLC

Scott Jensen is an Executive Vice President and National Construction Practice Leader at Amwins Insurance Brokerage, LLC, specializing in tough-to-place casualty accounts. Scott handles various casualty-related accounts, including residential, commercial, industrial, and environmental programs. 

Scott has over 20 years of experience placing wholesale business and has been with Amwins since 2007. Prior work experience includes risk placement services in Atlanta and Arthur Anderson’s Risk Management Consulting division. He’s hosted insurance café roundtable discussions and been a presenter for seminars for IRMI and LexusNexisis series.  He has also been an expert witness for general liability coverage disputes.

Michael Judy
Managing Director
Dysart Taylor McMonigle Brumitt & Wilcox, P.C.

As a member of Dysart Taylor’s rapid response team, Michael Judy coordinates defense and investigation activities in transportation accidents, obtaining valuable information that significantly reduces litigation exposure for clients. In addition, he consults with clients in the implementation of risk management procedures, which help reduce their exposure to future litigation. Michael also routinely leads presentations and roundtable discussions with clients on deposition to help reduce their exposure in personal injury claims across the country.

Whether he’s defending a trucking company in a catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, counseling transportation industry clients on key aspects of their business or advising clients on risk management policies and procedures, Michael knows that a strong relationship with his clients and a unified pursuit of his clients’ interests will lead to a more successful result.

Chelsey Mam
Attorney
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Chelsey Mam is a seasoned litigator with a broad practice spanning complex commercial disputes, personal injury, trust and estate litigation, and insurance recovery. She represents a diverse client base, including Fortune 500 companies, small and mid-sized businesses, government entities, and individuals. Chelsey has secured favorable outcomes both at trial and through strategic settlements, and she is admitted to practice in Washington with pro hac vice experience in Oregon, California, and Delaware. Her courtroom experience is complemented by a reputation for being a compassionate, energetic, and results-driven advocate.

In addition to her litigation work, Chelsey is a recognized speaker on civil litigation topics, having presented CLE courses on discovery and motion practice. She is also a leader in integrating technology into legal practice, using eDiscovery tools and virtual litigation platforms to streamline processes and reduce costs for clients. Whether taking depositions or arguing motions via Zoom, Chelsey brings innovation and adaptability to every case she handles.

Pat Murphy
Chief Revenue Officer
The Miller Group

Pat Murphy is the Chief Revenue Officer and a member of the Executive Team at The Miller Group, where he has been a driving force since joining the firm in 2003. In his leadership role, Pat works closely with advisors to manage the full scope of insurance offerings, strategic planning, and risk management solutions for businesses. He continues to serve clients directly, with a strong emphasis on supporting nonprofit organizations. Pat is a seasoned expert in property and casualty insurance, with deep knowledge in professional liability, workers’ compensation, and tailored coverage strategies for the nonprofit sector.