August 6, 2024 | Car Accidents, Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Workers Compensation
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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on average personal injury settlements in the United States! If you’re here, it’s likely because you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and need to know what to anticipate. It’s essential knowledge, whether planning to file a claim or just out of pure curiosity.
In this article, we’ll delve into the various types of accidents, from traffic accidents to slips and falls, and how much compensation injured parties typically receive. Understanding these averages can provide a ballpark figure of what to expect.
Note: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it’s important to remember that the outcome of each personal injury case can greatly vary based on factors such as individual circumstances, severity of injury, and legal representation.
By shedding light on this topic, we hope to help you better navigate the often overwhelming field of personal injury claims. Let’s embark on this informative journey together.
As personal injury attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri, we have an intimate understanding of personal injury claims and settlements. We have compiled our years of experience and a number of resources to combine the data outlined below.
First, it is important to know your state’s statute of limitations. Each state has different laws regarding the statute of limitations (the time you have to file a personal injury claim). It is also important to note that, not only do statute of limitations vary by state, but most states also have different laws depending on the type of injury or practice area.
Here is an example of Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims:
| Type of Accident/Injury | Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Missouri |
|---|---|
| Car Accidents | 5 years from the date of accident |
| Slip and Fall Accidents | 5 years from the date of injury |
| Workplace Accidents | 2 years from the date of injury or diagnosis of illness |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years from the date of injury or reasonable discovery |
| Product Liability | 5 years from the date of injury |
| Dog Bites | 5 years from the date of bite |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years from the date of death |
You can view a list of statutes of limitations by state here to find your state’s limits.
There are numerous factors that affect the average settlement amount in personal injury car accident cases. While the average auto accident settlement for injuries clocks in at $15,431, this figure can vary widely based on the specifics of the incident.
For instance, cases involving severe injuries leading to long-term or permanent disabilities often result in significantly higher settlements. It is also important to keep in mind that there are outlier settlements that significantly raise the average car accident settlement amount.
For instance, most car accidents are settled out of court for $3,000 – $5,000. Many times, these cases are settled out of court and without the assistance of a local personal injury attorney. More severe cases, however, can result in settlements worth millions of dollars.
Some of our recent car accident settlements include $2.2 million, $2.1 million, $1 million, $600,000. These cases involved catastrophic injuries and/or extreme negligence on the part of the at-fault driver.
Because these types of settlements are such large numbers, the average settlement is obviously a bit skewed.
It’s important to recognize that every accident is unique, and there is no exact dollar amount that you can expect for your case. Various elements such as the severity of injuries, the degree of property damage, and even the jurisdiction where the accident occurred can all play pivotal roles in determining the final amount.
In addition to physical injuries, personal injury settlements can also cover economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include monetary losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. It’s worth noting that for property damage alone, the average settlement stands at $3,231. Meanwhile, non-economic damages are harder to quantify and can encompass chronic pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
According to the Insurance Information Institute‘s most recent data compiled for accidents in 2022, the average car accident claim was $5,992 for property damage claims and $24,211 for claims that involved bodily injuries.
If you’re trying to get a rough estimate of what you might receive, using a car accident settlement calculator can offer some guidance. Remember, settlements of half a million dollars or more typically involve significant, life-altering injuries from major accidents. So, while the average settlement figures might give you an idea, the true value of your claim can only be ascertained by considering the unique details of your case.
| Severity of Accident | Average Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Minor Property Damage Only | $2,500 - $7,500 |
| Moderate Property Damage and Minor Injuries | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Severe Property Damage and Moderate Injuries | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Severe Injuries with Long-term Impact | $50,000+ |
When a large commercial vehicle like a semi-truck or 18-wheeler is involved in an automobile accident, the damage can be even more devastating. Our Missouri truck accident lawyers have seen the destruction of these wrecks first hand and, because of this, these settlements often lead to a higher settlement number.
These high settlement amounts reflect the significant economic and non-economic damages suffered by victims. Economic damages encompass medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, while non-economic damages cover chronic pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. For instance, notable settlements include a $4 million compensation for a collision involving an 18-wheeler and a catastrophic $20 million settlement for a young man run over by a careless delivery driver. These figures underscore the potential for significantly higher settlements when commercial vehicles are involved.
Moreover, determining the settlement for a truck accident case involves various factors, such as the extent and permanence of the injuries, the clarity of liability, and the available insurance coverage. Commercial vehicle cases also present unique challenges, as they may involve multiple at-fault parties. The trucking company, the driver, and even the vehicle manufacturer could share responsibility, complicating the claims process but also opening avenues for broader compensation.
Finding exact data for average truck accident settlements was a bit tricky as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration has not provided data since 2005, but, after compiling data from a few different sources, we have concluded that the average truck accident settlement in the United States is around $90,000.
The severity and nature of injuries in accidents involving large trucks can dramatically influence settlement amounts. Here is an overview of average settlement amounts based on injury severity and property damage:
| Severity of Accident | Average Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Minor Injuries and Property Damage | $15,000 - $75,000 |
| Moderate Injuries with Considerable Property Damage | $75,000 - $500,000 |
| Severe Injuries with Significant Property Damage | $500,000 - $1,000,000+ |
| Life-Altering/Catastrophic Injuries | $1,000,000 - $20,000,000+ |
Workers’ compensation is when an employee receives compensation after they have been injured or become ill due to negligence or an accident that occurred on the job. Employers are required to provide compensation through workers’ compensation insurance, covering medical expenses and lost wages. This support can be crucial in helping injured employees recover without the added stress of financial burdens.
Our workers’ comp lawyers in Missouri have seen countless employees struggle to receive fair compensation due to their employer’s workers’ comp insurance providers looking to pay as little as possible.
Each workers’ compensation case is unique, and the final settlement amount will depend on various factors.
Below, we have broken down workers’ comp claims based on different factors, but we wanted to first share general findings made by the National Safety Council.
According to the NSC, the average worker’s comp claim in 2021 – 2022 (their most recent data), the average workers’ compensation claim was $41,757.
We have an in-depth article outlining the average workers’ compensation based on injury type, so for this article, we wanted to expand our coverage to include data based on the industry.
| Cause of Injury | Injury Compensation | Payment for Lost Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle | $49,395 | $39,757 |
| Burn | $34,674 | $17,487 |
| Fall/slip | $27,688 | $22,283 |
| Caught | $27,587 | $19,489 |
| Struck by | $21,634 | $18,470 |
| Strain | $17,386 | $18,814 |
| Cumulative injuries | $15,148 | $18,761 |
| Striking against | $16,211 | $14,939 |
| Misc. cause | $12,058 | $12,467 |
| Cut/punch/scrape | $14,110 | $10,140 |
Data is based on a study by the National Safety Council
| Cause of Injury | Injury Compensation | Payment for Lost Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation | $89,743 | $36,290 |
| Other Trauma | $33,086 | $29,958 |
| Fracture/crush/dislocation | $36,884 | $25,356 |
| Burn | $38,392 | $13,830 |
| Infection/inflammation | $18,710 | $20,346 |
| Sprain/strain | $16,217 | $18,076 |
| Carpal tunnel | $15,919 | $18,136 |
| Contusion/concussion | $17,810 | $15,887 |
| Lacerate/puncture/rupture | $18,817 | $14,329 |
| Occ. disease/cumulative injury | $7,661 | $9,102 |
Data is based on study by the National Safety Council
The average workers’ compensation payout based on the industry:
| Industry | Average Payout |
|---|---|
| Construction | $32,000 |
| Manufacturing | $26,000 |
| Healthcare | $22,000 |
| Transportation | $45,000 |
| Retail | $20,000 |
| Education | $18,000 |
Medical Malpractice lawsuits involve healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals, failing to meet the accepted standard of care. These cases can be quite complex and often require expert testimony to prove negligence.
Medical malpractice is far more common than one might think. In fact, a recent study found that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States and account for over 250,000 deaths per year.
When it comes to average settlements for medical malpractice claims, the figures can vary widely. The severity of the injury, the clarity of liability, and the long-term impact on the patient’s quality of life all play crucial roles.
If a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard level of care that a reasonably competent professional would have provided under similar circumstances, it can qualify as medical malpractice. The types of actions or omissions that might form the basis of a medical malpractice claim include:
We want to be clear when we say determining the average medical malpractice settlement is nearly impossible. There are an infinite number of variables and unknowns that simply cannot be factored into this table.
Having said that, we looked at different data and settlements based on the most common types of medical errors and were able to create a settlement range based on these findings.
The Journal of the American Medical Association’s most recent study found that the average medical malpractice or medical error settlement was around $329,000.
To provide a clearer understanding of how medical error types impact settlement amounts, here’s a table that breaks down average settlements based on the type of error:
| Type of Medical Error | Average Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis | $425,000 |
| Surgical Errors | $320,000 |
| Medication Errors | $3,500,000 |
| Childbirth Injuries | $1,000,000 |
| Anesthesia Errors | $300,000 - $700,000 |
Premises liability cases arise when an individual is injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions. These cases can include slip and falls, swimming pool accidents, or injuries due to negligent security. When pursuing a premises liability claim, the settlement amount will heavily depend on the specifics of the case, such as the severity of the injury, the property owner’s negligence, and the impact on the victim’s life.
For instance, slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims. Settlements can vary significantly depending on factors like the nature of the injury (e.g., broken bones, head injuries), medical expenses, and any long-term effects.
An Insurance Information Institute study found the average premises liability settlement was $200,000.
Property owners are expected to maintain reasonably safe environments; failure to do so can lead to substantial settlements.
Another example is swimming pool accidents, which often involve serious injuries or even fatalities. Settlements in these cases may account for extensive medical bills, pain and suffering, and potential long-term care needs, often resulting in higher settlements that can reach several hundred thousand dollars.
Negligent security claims, where inadequate security measures lead to injury, also fall under premises liability. These cases can involve assault, robbery, or other criminal acts. Settlements can be significant, especially if the property owner blatantly ignored security protocols, potentially ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars.
When a defective product causes injury, the responsible party can be held accountable. Common product liability lawsuits include
When a defective product causes injury, the responsible party can be held accountable. Common product liability lawsuits include :
The average settlement for product liability cases varies significantly depending on the nature and severity of the injury:
According to the III’s most recent data in 2020, the average product liability settlement was $7,058,106 with a median cost of $3,908,111.
Now that we have discussed the most frequently asked about injury settlements, we wanted to give a quick rundown of some of the other common personal injury types.
As we have frequently mentioned throughout this article, these numbers are either averages based on large-scale studies or numbers we have come up with based on data we have found or compiled from several recent personal injury settlements and claims.
| Personal Injury Lawsuit Type | Average Settlement Amount |
|---|---|
| Car Accident Injury Settlements | $24,211 |
| Car Accident Property Damage Settlements | $5,992 |
| Truck Accident Settlements | $90,000 |
| Medical Malpractice Settlements | $329,000 |
| Workers Comp Settlements | $41,757 |
| Slip and Fall Settlements | $13,000 |
| Dog Bite Settlements | $64,555 |
| Product Liability Settlements | $3,908,111 |
| Premises Liability Settlements | $200,000 |
Absolutely, a personal injury lawyer can make a substantial difference in the settlement you receive. Obviously, as personal injury attorneys, we are biased, but, without the help of an injury lawyer, you are going to have an extremely difficult time getting the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.
Our St. Louis injury lawyers always highlight the benefits our team adds. First, as experts in these cases with a deep understanding of personal injury laws, we have the knowledge needed to understand not only how to bring about the lawsuit, but the ability to further investigate your case and injuries as well as the resources to find experts to testify on your behalf.
Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that it is not just about immediate medical bills. An attorney will consider future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering to ensure you seek an adequate amount.
A personal injury attorney also deals with perhaps the most challenging (and frustrating) portion of the process: dealing with insurance. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your expenses and future costs.
Moreover, a personal injury attorney is adept at handling complex paperwork and legal protocols, saving you the headache and allowing you to focus on your recovery. In many cases, the mere presence of a lawyer can compel the opposing party to offer a more reasonable settlement.
If you’re considering hiring a lawyer, many offer a free consultation. This initial meeting can provide insights into the strength of your case and what you might expect moving forward. Remember, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to anyone, regardless of financial situation.
If you have questions related to personal injury or about our law firm, please feel free to reach out at any time!
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