Will I Get a Million Dollar Personal Injury Settlement?

• Million-dollar personal injury settlements are rare and usually awarded only in cases involving severe injuries and significant damages.
• Factors common to high-value settlements include the financial, physical, and emotional impacts as well as the at-fault party’s ability to pay.
• The average personal injury settlement is much lower, with a median of around $16,000 for car accident cases. Higher amounts are generally outliers.
• There are ways to maximize your settlement amount to ensure you are compensated fairly.

If you’ve ever spent time driving, watching TV, or listening to the radio, you’ve heard of the dozens of local victims who were awarded a million dollar personal injury settlement. In fact, those giant checks seem to be the norm.

So, if you’ve been injured, it’s natural to wonder if you might receive the same kind of payout.

But here’s the reality: no matter the severity of your injuries, million-dollar settlements are exceptionally rare. They’re typically reserved for cases involving severe injuries and overwhelming losses. In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why those clients received millions and why—if you’re lucky—your case won’t need to.

Our firm has secured many million dollar settlements and verdicts. The two main factors in securing these resolutions was the severity of our client’s injuries, and the available insurance.

What Do Million Dollar Personal Injury Settlements Have In Common?

Personal injury cases are all different and the outcome (including the settlement amount) depends heavily on the unique circumstances of each case.

As personal injury attorneys with over 75 years of combined experience, we’ve seen firsthand what sets high-value settlements apart from the rest. Here are the top five factors that all million-dollar personal injury settlements have in common.

1. Extensive Economic Damages

It’s the first rule in personal injury lawsuits—in order to receive a lot, you need to prove that you lost a lot due to someone else’s fault. A case with only $1,000 in medical bills simply usually won’t qualify for a million-dollar settlement—there isn’t enough loss to justify that amount.

This is why your attorney will carefully review your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other financial impacts, ensuring they capture the full scope of your damages.

2. Severe Injuries

The personal injury claims with the highest settlement amounts are usually those with the most severe injuries, including things like traumatic brain injury, paralysis, or other life-altering conditions. Oftentimes, these cases involve surgeries or even multiple surgeries. These types of injuries not only result in extensive medical bills but can also significantly impact a person’s ability to work and earn income long-term.

An experienced attorney will assess not only your current medical expenses but also your lost earning capacity and any additional treatments you may require throughout your life. In cases of severe, permanent injuries, even millions of dollars may only begin to cover a lifetime of lost income and ongoing care needs.

3. Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering can be hard to quantify, but they are just as disruptive to your life as a lost limb.

Pain and suffering compensation may cover a range of issues, including chronic pain, depression, disfigurement, and even strain on personal relationships—all of which can deeply affect quality of life.

Through our experience, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure compensation for these emotional and psychological impacts, recognizing that life after an injury often involves more than just medical bills and financial losses.

4. Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors are details in a case that highlight the severity or recklessness of the other party’s actions.

When aggravating factors are present—such as instances of gross negligence, hit-and-run behavior, or blatant disregard for traffic laws—they can impact a jury’s perception and lead to higher settlement values. Other aggravating factors can include alcohol or drug use by the at fault party. These shocking details underscore the other party’s responsibility and strengthen the case for substantial compensation.

5. Ability To Pay

The at-fault party’s ability to pay is a key factor in determining the size of a personal injury settlement.

Even if you suffer substantial damages, the settlement amount you receive will largely depend on how much financial coverage is available. This often comes down to the amount of insurance the at-fault party holds and, in some cases, the coverage you have through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy.

If the at-fault party (or their insurance company) has limited funds, you may—unfortunately—receive a smaller settlement, regardless of the severity of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will look carefully at all available resources to maximize your settlement and ensure you receive as much coverage as possible.

How Much Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement?

The million-dollar amounts you see on billboards and commercials are impressive, but they’re also outliers. In reality, the median personal injury settlement is around $16,000 for car accident cases—significantly lower than the headline-grabbing numbers.

Settlement amounts vary widely based on the type of case and specific circumstances, with medical malpractice cases typically leading to larger settlements than premises liability claims.

So, if you aren’t awarded a million-dollar settlement, consider yourself fortunate; it often means that your injuries and losses were less severe. While you will not have the large payout, you likely will be feeling much better and living a healthier life because your injuries are not as severe.

How To Maximize Your Settlement Amount

Maximizing your personal injury settlement requires a strategic approach and attention to detail. Here are some important steps to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve:

1. Document All Damages

Keep thorough records of all your damages, both economic and non-economic. This includes medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other financial impacts, as well as documentation of pain and suffering or emotional distress. Photos, receipts, and personal notes can all help demonstrate the extent of your losses.

2. Follow Doctor’s Orders

Adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan is essential for both your recovery and your case. Following all medical advice shows that you are serious about healing and prevents insurance companies from arguing that your injuries weren’t as severe as claimed.

3. Stay Off Social Media

Avoid discussing your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor social media accounts, looking for any posts that could undermine your claim. Even innocent updates can be misinterpreted, so it’s best to keep a low profile online.

4. Don’t Accept the First Offer

Insurance companies often make low initial offers in the hope of settling quickly. While it may be tempting to accept, these offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim. Take the time to evaluate the full extent of your damages before agreeing to a settlement.

5. Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in maximizing your settlement. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, a skilled attorney knows how to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Working with a lawyer can also help ensure that no critical details are overlooked in the settlement process.

For more in-depth guidance, check out this post on maximizing your car accident settlement for additional tips and insights.

Conclusion

Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when aiming for a fair settlement.

While million-dollar settlements are rare and usually reserved for the most severe cases, there are steps you can take to maximize your compensation. With thorough documentation, adherence to medical guidance, and the support of an experienced attorney, you can build a stronger case for the compensation you deserve.

At Beers & Gordon, we are not only experienced in personal injury law, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your claim. Despite being a small firm, we have the financial resources to pursue the largest recovery available for you. More importantly, we have the experience and tenacity necessary to pursue the largest resolution. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t face this journey alone.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how our team can help you pursue justice and a fair settlement. Let us handle the complexities so you can focus on recovery.