Imagine you’re walking through a Florida mall and suddenly slip on a wet, unmarked floor. Pain shoots through your body as you ask yourself: “What happened, who is responsible, and what happens next?” You are not alone. Thousands of Floridians experience similar accidents each year. What may surprise many is that while personal injury claims are filed every day, very few ever reach a courtroom.
If you’ve been wondering how many personal injury claims go to court, the answer may surprise you. Most cases are resolved long before a trial, often through settlements or negotiations. Below, we’ll explore the statistics, why so few cases go to trial, and what this means for Florida accident victims.
Key Takeaways
- Florida reports tens of thousands of personal injury cases each year, far above the national average.
- Only about 3–5% of personal injury claims actually go to trial.
- Roughly 95–97% of cases are resolved through settlement before reaching court.
- Trials are costly, unpredictable, and emotionally taxing, making settlement an appealing option.
- Having the right attorney, like Car Accident Lawyer, ensures your case is positioned for the best possible outcome—whether in settlement or at trial.
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How Many Personal Injury Cases Are Filed in Florida Each Year?
Florida consistently ranks high when it comes to personal injury filings. In fact, the state has a much higher per-capita filing rate than the national average.
According to federal court data, Florida saw 28,342 personal injury cases filed in the twelve months ending March 31, 2023. To put that into perspective, that means for every 100,000 Floridians, there were 127.41 personal injury cases. Compare this to the national average of just 9.53 cases per 100,000 people, and the difference is staggering.
In 2023, 62.10% of Florida’s personal injury lawsuits were civil cases, compared to a national average of only 11.65%. This makes Florida appear to be a hub for litigation, but the truth is, only a small percentage of those cases actually end up being decided in a courtroom.
How Many Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial in Florida?
Despite the thousands of filings, only a fraction of personal injury lawsuits go to trial.
- Trial Rate: Roughly 3–5% of personal injury cases in Florida make it to trial. That means out of the 28,000-plus filings in 2023, only about 851–1,417 were actually tried before a judge or jury.
- Settlement Rate: The overwhelming majority—95% to 97%—are resolved outside of court through settlement negotiations.
- Plaintiff Success Rate: For those cases that do go to trial, outcomes vary widely depending on the type of case. Plaintiffs prevail in roughly 19% of medical negligence cases, but in product liability and premises liability claims, success rates can rise to 38–50%.
Why Do So Few Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial?
There are several reasons why most cases settle before reaching trial in Florida:
1. Settlement Encouragement
Florida courts encourage mediation and negotiation to resolve disputes. This helps reduce the burden on already overcrowded court dockets and promotes quicker resolutions for both parties.
2. Financial Costs
Trials are extremely expensive. Legal fees, court expenses, and lengthy preparation can push costs into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. For many plaintiffs, settling is a more practical path.
3. Uncertainty of Jury Verdicts
Juries can be unpredictable. Even with strong evidence, there is no guarantee of winning a trial. Both plaintiffs and defendants often prefer the certainty of a negotiated settlement over the risk of a jury decision.
4. Emotional Stress
Trials can drag on for months or even years, creating significant stress for accident victims and their families. Settling often provides closure and allows people to move forward sooner.
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What This Means for Florida Accident Victims
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, slip-and-fall, or other type of accident, it’s important to understand that your case will most likely settle before reaching trial. However, having an attorney prepared to fight in court when necessary can make a major difference in your settlement negotiations.
At Car Accident Lawyer, we’ve handled thousands of personal injury claims across Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and throughout Florida. Our attorneys understand when a settlement makes sense—and when pushing forward to trial is the right move to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call Car Accident Lawyer Today
Being injured in an accident can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and pain that disrupts your entire life. You don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. At Car Accident Lawyer, our team is here to provide straightforward answers and aggressive representation.
We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to discuss your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Call us today at 844-970-4370 to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many personal injury claims go to court in Florida?
Only about 3–5% of personal injury claims go to court. The vast majority are resolved through settlements. - Why do most personal injury cases settle instead of going to trial?
Settlements are less costly, less stressful, and more predictable than jury trials. Both sides often prefer certainty over risk. - How long does it take to settle a personal injury claim in Florida?
Some cases settle within months, while others may take a year or more, depending on medical treatment, negotiations, and the complexity of the case. - Do I need a lawyer if my case is likely to settle?
Yes. Insurance companies try to minimize payouts. Having an attorney ensures you receive fair compensation and prepares your case for trial if needed. - What happens if my case does go to trial?
If your case goes to trial, a judge or jury will decide the outcome. This process can take longer and involve more expenses, but it may result in a larger payout if successful.