What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement Amount?

February 13, 2025 | Personal Injury

What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement Amount?

Many factors influence personal injury settlements. Because of this, the amount can vary.

There is no set formula for every case. Details such as the severity of injuries, who was responsible, and the amount of insurance coverage play an important role in determining the average settlement amount.

Factors That Affect Personal Injury Settlement Amounts

Several important factors impact how much a person may receive in a personal injury settlement.

Severity of Injuries

Severe injuries often result in higher settlements. This is because serious injuries lead to higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and bigger effects on a person’s daily life.

Medical Expenses

Medical costs are a major factor in personal injury settlements. Compensation covers hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and long-term care. If medical bills are high, the total settlement amount is often higher as well.

Lost Wages and Future Income Loss

If an injury keeps someone from working, they can claim lost wages and future income. This is especially true for those with long-term or permanent injuries that affect their ability to earn money. Lost wages and future earnings are often included in settlement calculations.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering include physical pain, emotional distress, mental trauma, and reduced quality of life. These damages can have a strong impact on a personal injury settlement. While pain and suffering are harder to measure than medical bills or lost wages, courts recognize that they are legitimate injuries. Because of this, settlements often include compensation for them.

Liability and Comparative Fault

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If the injured person is partially responsible for the accident, their settlement may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Insurance Policy Limits

The at-fault person’s insurance coverage sets the highest possible settlement amount. If the insurance policy does not cover all costs, the injured person may need to file a lawsuit to seek additional compensation.

Typical Personal Injury Settlement Amounts

Every claim is different, but common settlement ranges for various injury levels include:

  • Minor Injuries (soft tissue damage, small fractures): $5,000 – $25,000
  • Moderate Injuries (broken bones, concussions, surgeries needed): $25,000 – $100,000
  • Severe Injuries (lasting disabilities, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma): $100,000 – millions, depending on long-term effects and required treatment.

Settlement estimates come from insurance reports, legal case results, and publicly available data. They are only general guidelines. Final settlement amounts depend on case facts, legal arguments, and available evidence.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Personal Injury Settlement?

The time it takes to receive a personal injury settlement depends on several factors. Some cases are straightforward and resolve quickly, while others take longer due to disputes or legal challenges.

The process can slow down if multiple parties are involved or there is disagreement about who is at fault. Insurance companies may also try to delay payments to lower the final payout. 

In some cases, the responsible party denies blame, leading to extended negotiations. If both sides cannot reach an agreement, the case may have to go to trial, which can significantly extend the timeline.

Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

Arizona law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline usually means losing the legal right to seek compensation.

How to Increase a Personal Injury Settlement in Phoenix

Taking the right steps after an injury can help increase the final settlement amount. Some of the most important actions include:

  • Keep detailed medical records. Save records of all doctor visits, procedures, prescriptions, and therapy sessions.
  • Track lost wages and financial losses. Keep copies of pay stubs, work history, and proof of missed income.
  • Decline low settlement offers. Insurance companies often start with low offers in an attempt to save money.

Consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to handle negotiations and fight for a higher award.

What Determines the Final Settlement Amount?

Every case comes with its own challenges. No two personal injury settlements are alike. The final award depends on how well your case gets presented. Proper case preparation can lead to a better and more complete resolution.

Find Out What Your Personal Injury Settlement Amount May Be

A variety of legal and financial factors affect personal injury settlements. Learning how the process works sets realistic expectations for possible outcomes. If you get hurt by someone’s negligence in Phoenix, an attorney can help determine the value of your claim.

Contact the Arizona Personal Injury Lawyers at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.

Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
3200 N Central Ave Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 600-9000