California Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Examples 2024

No one wants to be the victim of a personal injury. The outcome can cause physical and emotional suffering, and the process for pursuing compensation can be overwhelming. Often, victims give up pursuing payouts for their injuries because they either don’t know that they have the option to sue or become too overwhelmed by the personal injury claim process or associated legal steps.

Whether you have fallen subject to such an accident or just want to stay in the loop about high-stakes cases, it’s critical to understand the calculations behind personal injury settlements, associated factors in the decision process, and what a successful case looks like. Being aware of how to get the support you need to negotiate settlements with insurance companies and pursue litigation for damages in court is important as well.

Personal Injury Settlements

Surprisingly enough, an overwhelming percentage of personal injury disputes, as well as product liability settlements, are handled outside of the courtroom. The number of pre-trial settlements is around 95 percent, which is what makes the initial settlement process so critical.

Another important factor to keep in mind is that the victim of a personal injury lawsuit, or the individual pressing charges, is nine times more likely than the defendant to win the case in court. Therefore, it is typically in the interest of the victim, otherwise known as the plaintiff, to take the case to court. However, legal counsel should be pursued to get personalized advice, depending on the details of the case.

Real-Life Examples of CA Settlement Amounts

Understanding the final outcomes of current lawsuits that are similar to your personal injury case can provide guidance about the legal path you should pursue. Provided below are real world current examples of lawsuit outcomes in California:

• Car accident case. In December 2016, there was a vehicle collision case that resulted in a $3.6 million settlement for the plaintiff in Los Angeles County.
• Bicycle accident case. In July 2013, after a car hit a bicyclist, he was awarded an amount greater than $4.75 million in San Diego County. He was able to prove that the door of the driver’s car hit the bicyclist, who allegedly had the right of way.
• Slip and fall case. McDonald’s was sued by a man who slipped and fell on a slippery substance, which was negligently left on the floor by a staff member. As a result of the fall, the man had a severe lumbar spine injury. He was awarded $18.7 million in November 2022, including pain and suffering damages.
• Medical malpractice case. During a gallbladder removal surgery in Riverside County, a surgeon severely damaged the bile system of a patient. The plaintiff was able to prove in court that this injury was due to the surgeon’s negligence. After advice and arguments from different medical experts, the plaintiff was awarded over $600 thousand in April 2015.
• Dog bite case. While visiting the house of a friend, a very young girl was attacked and bitten by a pit bull without warning, and she suffered significant face and throat injuries. The defendant’s family claimed that because the dog was not theirs, they could not be considered responsible for the incident. However, in January 2022, the girl’s family was awarded almost $300,000 in damages.
• Product liability case. A truck driver got in a crash and survived immediately after the collision but ended up dying as a result of the truck’s fuel tanks exploding. Daimler Trucks North America LLC was ruled to be responsible for the faulty design and manufacturing. In 2019, $12 million was awarded to the plaintiff.

Keep in mind that these case examples are representative of individual case outcomes and cannot be used to generalize or predict the outcomes of future cases. Outstanding factors such as the medical injury type and severity, the total monetary and non-monetary damages sustained, and the amount and quality of evidence for the case argument are considered by the judge and jury in a case. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you optimize your outcomes and provide you with peace of mind.

FAQs About California Personal Injury Laws

What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in California?

Since every case is different and settlements are determined by the particulars of the accident, there is no standard average for personal injury settlements in California. In the end, settlement amounts from such accident cases can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. If the accident was more severe or a death was involved, the resulting settlement is likely to be higher.

How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out in California?

A personal injury settlement can be delivered to the winning party in California in different ways. Usually, the payment method is decided between the two disputing parties in the settlement process. It is common for everything to be paid at once or in a lump sum payment. However, there are also instances in which the money is paid over time regularly.

How Are Personal Injury Settlements Calculated in California?

Calculating damages incurred in a personal injury settlement can be a complex process. To determine what amount is reasonable, factors such as money lost due to medical expenditures and vehicle damage, as well as lost income and pain and suffering, are considered. It’s important to have a skilled lawyer who can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take in California?

Personal injury lawyers in California usually work based on a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer will work upfront without required fees but that they will take a percentage of the money won in settlement cases. In California, the contingency fee is typically 30 to 40 percent, but this number can vary. Be sure to ask your lawyer about their contingency fee and other associated fees with their services at the initial consultation.

Learn More About Compensation for Damages Suffered

Whether you have been a victim of an accident and incurred minor or serious damages, you should contact the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes today to receive legal advice and plan a strategy for pursuing compensation. You can be assured that our experienced legal team will stand up for you at all costs.