How Often Do Personal Injury Cases Settle?

How often do personal injury cases settle? The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement instead of a jury verdict. This is because both sides want to avoid the unpredictability, delay, and expense of a full trial.

Most personal injury matters start with injured individuals (plaintiffs) negotiating with the at-fault person’s insurer or legal representation. If the facts are clear, liability is not heavily disputed, and the injuries and damages are reasonably documented, both plaintiff and defendant frequently agree on compensation.

Why Settlements Are Much More Common Than Trials

Most personal injury cases resolve through settlement rather than a trial. There are several reasons for this trend, including:

• Less uncertainty. Trials are inherently unpredictable. A jury could award more than expected, less than expected, or even deny compensation altogether. Settlements provide both sides with a known outcome, giving plaintiffs a sense of security and defendants or insurers a controlled resolution.
• Faster resolution. Trials can take months or even years due to pre-trial motions, discovery, and scheduling. Settlements allow parties to resolve matters more quickly, particularly when liability and damages are clear.
• Lower overall cost. Litigation involves court costs, witness fees, and extensive attorney hours. Settling a case generally reduces these expenses for both parties while avoiding prolonged stress and disruption.
• Confidentiality and control. Unlike trials, which are public, settlements can include confidentiality terms. Parties can negotiate the timing and terms, creating a more manageable resolution tailored to their needs.
• Clear statistical trends. The vast majority of personal injury cases end in a settlement, and only a select few proceed to a jury verdict. Costs associated with liability claims have increased 57% within the past 10 years in the United States.
• Minimizing risk. For many plaintiffs, settlements avoid the emotional and logistical strain of a trial. For insurers and defendants, settlements limit the risk of large jury awards and the uncertainty that comes with unpredictable outcomes.

Because of these factors, settling a personal injury case is often the preferred approach. It balances risk, time, and cost while providing a measure of certainty for all involved. While trials still occur, they represent a small fraction of cases, primarily when disputes are complex or parties cannot reach an agreement.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

While many personal injury cases settle without legal representation, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

At Paul Figueroa Law, our team has experience handling personal injury matters in Tampa at the Hillsborough County Courthouse. We also practice across the state of Florida. We prioritize clear communication, thorough preparation, and attention to detail. This helps clients feel informed and confident throughout the process.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they can provide guidance and advocacy at every stage of your case. This includes:

• Case evaluation and strategy. This involves assessing your situation as well as your potential damages. Attorneys can determine the most effective course of action to achieve a fair resolution.
• Evidence collection and documentation. Attorneys gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other critical information to strengthen your claim.
• Insurance negotiations. Legal representatives can communicate with insurers on your behalf and negotiate settlements to help ensure compensation aligns with your needs.
• Understanding personal injury laws. Attorneys can explain Florida personal injury laws and how they apply to your case so you can make informed decisions.
• Long-Term planning. We account for ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, and other future expenses when evaluating settlement offers.

In Tampa, personal injury claims are typically handled in the Hillsborough County Courthouse, which oversees civil litigation matters in the area. Having an attorney familiar with the local procedures, court staff, and filing requirements can help your case progress smoothly and efficiently.

Our firm has a proven history of helping clients navigate complex cases with skill and attention to detail. By working with a knowledgeable Tampa personal injury lawyer, you gain a partner who can advocate for your rights, reduce stress, and provide insight at each step.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Success Rate of Personal Injury Cases?

A: The success rate of personal injury cases is high, since most people receive a settlement before attending court. However, the success of any individual case in court depends on factors such as evidence, liability, and the clarity of damages. Strong documentation of injuries, accident reports, and witness statements generally increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement, though outcomes are never guaranteed.

Q: How Long Should a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?

A: How long a personal injury case should take to settle varies widely. Minor injuries with clear liability can resolve in about 3 to 6 months. Cases with moderate injuries or disputed liability often take 6 to 18 months. Complex situations involving serious injuries or multiple parties can extend beyond two years. Each case is unique, so timing depends on circumstances.

Q: Why Is My Personal Injury Case Taking So Long to Resolve?

A: Your personal injury case could take a long time to resolve. This is more common for injuries that are more severe. The more serious the injury, the more that is normally requested in damages. Larger sums of money often take longer to agree on via a settlement. Your case could also move to a court trial, which adds at least several months to the process.

Q: Who Is Liable for My Personal Injury Claim?

A: Who is liable for your personal injury claim depends on how the accident happened. A person or party who caused the accident due to their negligence is usually liable. In a car accident, this could be other drivers or even vehicle manufacturers. If you are injured on someone else’s property, the person liable could be the owner or manager of the property.

Moving Forward With Your Personal Injury Case

At Paul Figueroa Law, we understand that every situation is different. If you’re dealing with an injury and need a thoughtful, knowledgeable approach tailored to your circumstances, we can guide you. If you want to learn more about what your case might look like, reach out to us now.