If you’ve been injured in an accident in St. Louis, Missouri, one of your first questions might be: “How much is my personal injury claim worth?” While every case is different, understanding the average personal injury settlement amount can help you get a realistic sense of what to expect.
Whether your injury resulted from a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of accident, several factors will influence your final settlement.
What Does a Personal Injury Settlement Include?
A personal injury settlement compensates you for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Past, current, and anticipated future treatment.
- Lost wages: Income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity.
- Property damage: Most common in vehicle-related accidents.
Non-economic damages you might be entitled to include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental distress, and emotional trauma.
- Disability or disfigurement: Long-term or permanent impairments.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries impact your quality of life.
Each of these elements is considered when calculating your full damages.
What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement Amount in Missouri?
In Missouri, personal injury settlements vary widely based on the severity of the injuries and other case-specific factors. General settlement ranges include:
- Minor injuries (sprains, bruises, minor fractures): $5,000 to $25,000
- Moderate injuries (surgical treatment, longer recovery): $25,000 to $100,000
- Severe injuries (permanent disability, multiple surgeries): $100,000 to $500,000+
- Catastrophic injuries (paralysis, traumatic brain injury): $500,000 to $1 million or more
These are general estimates based on reported case results and insurance data. Your case may settle below or above these ranges depending on evidence, liability, and insurance policy limits.
What Factors Affect Injury Settlement Amounts?
Every personal injury case is unique. The following factors significantly affect the value of your settlement:
- Injury severity: More serious injuries generally lead to higher compensation.
- Medical treatment: The type and length of care required matter. Emergency surgery, hospitalization, and physical therapy all increase value.
- Long-term impact: If you’re unable to return to your job or daily activities, settlement amounts increase.
- Liability clarity: If it’s clear that the other party was at fault, your claim is stronger.
- Insurance limits: The at-fault party’s coverage may cap the available compensation.
- Comparative fault: Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system. Your settlement is reduced by your percentage of fault, even if you are 99% responsible.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you were found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?
Pain and suffering damages are subjective, but often calculated using two common methods:
- Multiplier method: Your economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) are multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5 based on injury severity.
- Per diem method: A daily dollar amount is assigned for each day you experience pain and suffering.
Pain and suffering settlement examples are as follows:
- A broken arm with surgery might use a 2.5 multiplier on $30,000 in medical bills, leading to $75,000 total.
- A permanent spinal injury with $80,000 in economic losses might use a multiplier of 4 or more, resulting in over $300,000.
A skilled attorney can help determine how much to seek for damages.
Personal Injury Settlement Amount Examples
While every outcome depends on the facts, here are some personal injury settlement examples:
- $15,000 for a slip and fall with a sprained ankle and no long-term complications.
- $85,000 for a rear-end car accident resulting in herniated discs and physical therapy.
- $250,000 for a pedestrian struck by a distracted driver, requiring surgery and months of recovery.
- $700,000+ for a truck accident victim with a permanent back injury and future wage loss.
These figures reflect a range of common injury types and how damages scale with seriousness and impact.
How Long Do You Have To File a Personal Injury Claim in Missouri?
Missouri gives you five years to file most personal injury lawsuits. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is three years. Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
What if You Were Injured in a Car Accident?
Car accidents are among the most common sources of personal injury claims. The average car accident settlement in Missouri varies by injury type, insurance coverage, and fault. If you only suffered minor whiplash, your claim might settle for under $15,000. However, if you sustained head trauma or needed spinal surgery, your case could exceed $100,000.
Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or blame you for the crash. An attorney can help gather evidence, assess full damages, and challenge lowball offers.
Do You Need a Lawyer To Get a Fair Settlement?
While you can file a personal injury claim on your own, it often leads to smaller settlements. Insurance companies are not on your side. They aim to pay as little as possible. A personal injury attorney can:
- Assess the full value of your claim
- Gather medical and expert evidence
- Handle all negotiations with insurers
- File a lawsuit if needed to pressure for a better offer
- Make sure you meet all deadlines and procedural rules
Most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront fees. You only pay if they win your case.
Contact our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers from Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173