Average Personal Injury Settlements [2024]

Personal injury claims are frequently filed in the United States. According to the National Center for State Courts, personal injury cases account for approximately 60% of all civil cases filed in the U.S. court system. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may wonder what kind of compensation you can expect. While every case is different, some general trends and averages are as follows:

• Assault and Battery: $15,000

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: $19,000

• Workplace Accidents: $20,000

• Medical Malpractice: $235,000

• Wrongful Death: $750,000

This page will explore the average personal injury settlement in the United States and factors that can impact the compensation you may receive. We'll also discuss why having an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner is essential to help you navigate the legal system and negotiate for the best possible outcome.

Average Personal Injury Settlement Amounts

Settlement amounts in personal injury lawsuits can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the gravity of the injuries sustained, the level of fault attributed to each party, the jurisdiction in which the case is heard, and the skill of the attorneys involved. While it is difficult to provide precise figures for personal injury settlements, some rough estimates are available based on data from extensive research. In the following list, we provide average settlement amounts for some common types of personal injury lawsuits and a brief discussion of the factors that can impact settlement amounts in each case.

Assault and Battery

Average Settlement Amount: $15,000

The settlement amount in assault and battery cases is contingent on the magnitude of the injuries suffered, the degree of fault of the perpetrator, the presence or absence of aggravating factors such as the use of a weapon or premeditation, and the specific state laws and regulations surrounding assault and battery claims. For example, a cause involving a minor injury such as bruising or cuts may result in a settlement of a few thousand dollars, or permanent disability could result in a payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additional factors that can cause settlement amounts to differ include the victim's medical expenses and any lost income resulting from the injuries sustained.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Average Settlement Amount: $19,000

In general, settlements for motor vehicle accidents can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, the degree of fault for each party involved, and the available insurance coverage. For example, a minor fender bender with very minor injuries may result in a few thousand dollars in settlement. On the other hand, a catastrophic accident resulting in permanent disability or death could result in millions of dollars. Other factors affecting settlement amounts include the medical debt incurred by the injured party, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

Workplace Accidents

Average Settlement Amount: $20,000

Settlement amounts for workplace accident lawsuits can vary depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, the degree of negligence or fault of the employer or other parties involved, and the specific state laws and regulations governing workplace accident claims. Specifically, a minor workplace injury that results in temporary disability may result in a settlement of a few thousand dollars, while a significant workplace accident resulting in permanent disability or death could result in a payment of millions of dollars. Other factors affecting settlement amounts include lost income, future earning capacity, and medical expenses.

Medical Malpractice

Average Settlement Amount: $235,000

Settlement amounts for medical malpractice lawsuits can range from tens of thousands to millions, depending on several factors. These factors include the type and severity of the injury caused, the degree of negligence of the healthcare provider, and the specific state laws and regulations governing medical malpractice claims. To illustrate, a case involving an easily correctable minor injury may result in a settlement of tens of thousands of dollars. In contrast, a case involving a severe injury or disability can result in a payment of millions of dollars.

Wrongful Death

Average Settlement Amount: $750,000

The final settlement in wrongful death cases is determined by the circumstances surrounding the death, the number of dependents of the deceased, and the potential earnings of the deceased. Wrongful death lawsuits are typically brought by the surviving family members of a person who had died due to another party's negligence, intentional act, or wrongdoing. These types of lawsuits are generally complex and emotionally charged. In addition, the circumstances can vary significantly from case to case, making it difficult to provide an average settlement amount for wrongful death lawsuits. 

Factors That Influence Personal Injury Settlement Amounts

Several factors can significantly impact personal injury lawsuit settlement amounts. While the severity of the injury is an important consideration, other factors, such as the jurisdiction where the case is heard and the available insurance coverage, can also significantly impact the plaintiff's compensation. In addition, laws and regulations can vary by jurisdiction, leading to differences in compensation amounts. Finally, the negotiation skills of the plaintiff's attorney can also play a role in securing a favorable settlement. Therefore, plaintiffs must work with experienced personal injury lawyers who can accurately assess their case and pursue the best possible outcome, considering all relevant factors.

Severity of the Injuries Sustained

The severity of the injuries sustained in a personal injury cause is one of the most significant factors impacting settlement amounts. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent disability or death. Some types of injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, can have long-lasting or permanent effects on the victim's life. Injuries that impact the victim's ability to work, perform daily activities, or enjoy their hobbies and interests can be more severe and result in higher settlement amounts. The more severe the injuries, the higher the settlement amount is likely to be. 

Level of Fault Attributed to Each Party

In personal injury cases, fault is usually divided as a percentage among all parties involved. This allocation directly affects the compensation a plaintiff can receive. If a plaintiff is found to be partly at fault, their compensation is reduced accordingly. For instance, a 20% fault attribution to the plaintiff results in a 20% reduction in their compensation. Notably, if a plaintiff's fault equals 50% or more, they may lose their right to any compensation in many states. The concept of comparative negligence is often employed in these scenarios, where the plaintiff's actions and responsibility are weighed against the defendant's. While the plaintiff's contribution to the incident might diminish their claim, the scales can tip in their favor if the defendant’s fault is considerably severe or deliberate.

Whether Defendant's Conduct is Intentional or Egregious

The defendant's conduct plays a crucial role in determining liability and the potential for punitive damages. When a defendant's actions are not just negligent but intentional or egregious, this escalates the severity of the case. Egregious behavior implies a reckless disregard for the safety and well-being of others, and intentional conduct indicates a deliberate action to cause harm. In instances where the defendant's conduct falls into these categories, the court may impose punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. They are awarded in addition to any compensatory damages and are particularly applicable in cases where the defendant's actions go beyond mere negligence to exhibit a willful and harmful intent.

Availability of Insurance Coverage

If the defendant is insured, their insurance company will be responsible for paying any damages awarded to the plaintiff. The amount of coverage the defendant has can affect the maximum compensation the plaintiff can receive. For example, if the defendant has only a limited amount of insurance coverage, the plaintiff's compensation may be limited to that amount, even if the damages exceed the coverage limit. 

In addition, since insurance companies have a financial interest in minimizing the compensation they pay to plaintiffs, they can impact settlement negotiations. For example, insurance companies may offer lower settlement amounts to avoid paying out the total value of the plaintiff's claim. On the other hand, if the defendant has significant insurance coverage, this may encourage the insurance company to settle the case for a higher amount to avoid the risk of a more significant damages award at trial.

Jurisdiction Where the Case is Heard

Since different states may have contrasting laws and regulations, the jurisdiction where a personal injury case is heard can impact the compensation a plaintiff may receive for their injuries. Specifically, some states may have laws limiting the number of damages awarded in personal injury cases. Therefore, a plaintiff's compensation may be lower than in another jurisdiction with more favorable laws. Accordingly, plaintiffs must work with experienced personal injury lawyers who understand the nuances of the legal system and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction to pursue the best possible outcome.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Recover Compensation

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide many benefits if you have been injured in an accident and are considering pursuing compensation. While the cost of hiring an attorney can be a concern for some, the potential benefits can far outweigh the expenses. In addition, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. 

Investigating the Accident

A personal injury attorney can investigate the accident by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The attorney will typically start by reviewing the police report and any other documentation related to the accident. They may also visit the accident scene to gather additional evidence, such as photographs or video footage. Additionally, the attorney may interview witnesses to the accident to better understand what happened and who was at fault. 

Once the attorney has gathered sufficient evidence, they can build a strong case for their client. For example, if the evidence shows that the other party was clearly at fault for the accident, the attorney can use this to negotiate a higher settlement with the insurance company or to present a stronger case in court. On the other hand, if the evidence is unclear, the attorney may need to work diligently to prove the client's case and recover fair compensation.

Assessing Potential Damages

In addition to gathering evidence, a personal injury attorney can work with medical experts to assess the extent of the client's injuries and damages. This may involve reviewing medical records and consulting with doctors to determine the long-term effects of the injury on the client's health and well-being. These damages may include the following:

• Medical expenses related to the injury, including hospital bills, doctors’ visits, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs 

• Lost wages if the injury caused the client to miss work or will affect their future earning potential

• Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life

• Property damage if the injury involved damage to the client’s property, such as a car accident

• Punitive damages if the defendant’s behavior was particularly heinous or intentional.

By accurately assessing the client's damages, the attorney can ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Negotiating Settlements

When dealing with an insurance company, it's common for them to try and settle a personal injury case for as little compensation as possible. In such a scenario, having a personal injury attorney can be especially helpful in negotiating on the victim's behalf. In addition, with their experience and knowledge, an attorney can provide several benefits to their client during settlement negotiations.

For instance, an experienced personal injury attorney can take care of all communication with the insurance company and ensure that their client's rights are protected, and they receive fair compensation. In addition, since personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators capable of handling insurance adjusters and other parties involved in the case, they can use their negotiation skills to get the best possible settlement for their clients. 

Filing a Lawsuit

If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the injured party may decide to pursue a lawsuit in court.

A personal injury attorney can be instrumental in helping clients file a lawsuit by maintaining a solid understanding of the legal process and explaining the necessary documents and deadlines. In addition to gathering evidence to support their client's case, they can also identify potential defendants and ensure that all parties who may be liable are held accountable. 

Once the lawsuit is filed, personal injury attorneys can handle all aspects of the case, including drafting and filing documents with the court. Then, if the case goes to trial, an attorney can represent their client in court by presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments on their client's behalf. Many clients find that allowing this crucial aspect of a legal battle to be their attorney's responsibility helps them better cope with the stress and anxiety of the situation.