In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's damage to western North Carolina, a new conspiracy theory gained traction. This conspiracy held that the federal government manipulated the weather as Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina...more
1/20/2025
/ Bias ,
Burden of Proof ,
Corporate Misconduct ,
Dismissals ,
Evidence ,
Government Agencies ,
Juror ,
Jury Selection ,
Jury Trial ,
Jury Verdicts ,
Litigation Strategies ,
Motion to Dismiss ,
Social Media
Picture this: defense counsel sits at the ready, voir dire gameplan in hand—a list of 40+ questions and their follow-ups—to identify the worst jurors and maximize cause challenges. It is a very plaintiff-friendly venue; they...more
Explore how safetyism drives high jury verdicts and how defense teams can effectively navigate this evolving mindset in the courtroom. In this episode, IMS Senior Jury Consulting Advisor Dr. Jill Leibold and Senior Jury...more
As we speak, plaintiff attorneys are leveraging the spread of safetyism—a widespread expectation of 100% safe, 100% of the time—to obtain nuclear verdicts. This is not just another “reptile” strategy that preys on their fear...more
The February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, captured the attention of the nation. The public beheld evacuation orders, reports of air, water, and soil contamination, and a billowing black cloud of burning...more
Forget cryptocurrency—there is another kind of investment making the news in recent years and creating major headaches for corporate defendants: litigation funding.
Originally published in the Winter 2024 Issue of In-House...more
Our podcast guests IMS Senior Jury Consulting Advisor Dr. Jill Leibold and Senior Jury Consultant Dr. Nick Polavin share their newest safetyism research and how safetyist beliefs are driving high plaintiff verdicts—especially...more
Consider this recent example of two jurors, one a trial juror and one a mock juror. In both cases, the defendants’ arguments relied largely on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The trial juror: A very liberal,...more
Being an expert witness is a demanding task, but an expert’s testimony is crucial and can either make or break a client’s case.
Credibility is paramount for any expert witness; it is the foundation an expert stands on to...more
With technological and medical advances, humans are safer now than they have ever been. Along with these innovations and increases in overall safety, people’s belief that they should be absolutely free from the risk of harm...more