What Is the Average Settlement for a Personal Injury?

The details around any particular personal injury case can vary widely, but having a general idea of the elements that influence average personal injury settlement payouts can help you set realistic expectations if you’re ever involved in such a situation. When you suffer an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The payout should cover the cost of your current and future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other fees related to the accident. 

Average Settle Amounts

Most settlements will fall within a typical range, but to reiterate, it’s tough to pin down an exact number, as it will depend on the details of the case at hand. As such, keep in mind that settlement amounts vary depending on the specific circumstances involved in each case. 

Minor Injuries

For cases that involve minor accidents and require limited medical treatment and short recovery times, settlements can range from a few thousand dollars up to $25,000. 

Serious Injuries

Settlements involving slightly more serious injuries, like broken bones or any that require surgery, could result in payouts of up to $75,000. Victims will need to cover more significant medical costs, and they will also require a longer period of time to recover.

Severe Injuries

Severe injuries have a better chance of seeing payouts reach values of several hundred thousand dollars. These are incidents that cause long-term or lifelong disability or go on to require extensive medical treatment. Negotiations can get complicated in these cases due to the higher stakes. Though they are exceedingly rare, there are outliers that don’t represent the average personal injury settlement. High-profile cases surrounding corporate negligence, for instance, could see payouts of millions of dollars.

Deciphering Your Settlement

The settlement process usually involves negotiations between the injured person and the at-fault party’s insurance company.  Several factors can influence the amount of a personal injury settlement, namely:

• Severity Of Injury: More severe injuries typically result in higher settlements, whether the damage is physical or emotional
• Medical Expenses: The cost of treatment plays a significant role and includes immediate costs as well as any expected future care
• Lost Wages: If the injury causes the person to miss work, they could be compensated for the lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Liability: Higher payouts are typically linked to clearer cases of liability, and obvious negligence tends to simplify the settlement process
• Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party’s insurance policy puts a cap on the amount of the settlement based on the circumstances surrounding the case
• State Laws: In Washington, comparative negligence rules apply, so your compensation could be reduced if it’s determined you were partially at fault for the accident

These elements provide a general framework for insurance companies to work with, but it’s important to remember that each case is unique. Every factor will affect a case differently from one instance to another, so it’s vital that you work to protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney.

Maximize Your Claim

If you’re involved in a personal injury case, there are steps you can take to increase your potential settlement amount:

• Get immediate medical attention and follow through with all of your doctor’s recommended treatments
• Keep thorough records of your medical care, expenses, and any impact your injury has on your daily life
• Don’t settle for the first amount offered by the insurance company

Remember, insurance companies like to make lowball offers to minimize how much they have to pay out. Their priority is their bottom line, not your well-being. A strong personal injury attorney can help level the playing field and advocate for your best interests.

The Road Ahead

Understanding what average personal injury settlements look like can provide valuable insight as you navigate your case. And though these amounts can vary, being informed and prepared can help you reach a fair outcome.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Personal Injury Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121

(206) 727 4000

Hours: Open 24/7