How Many Personal Injury Cases Are Filed Each Year? Exploring Florida’s Claims Statistics & Trial Rates

Imagine this: You’re walking through a bustling Florida mall when suddenly, you slip on an unmarked wet floor. As pain shoots through your body, you wonder: “what happened, who’s responsible, and what do I do now?” You’re not alone – thousands of Floridians face similar situations each year. The twist, though? The path from injury to resolution isn’t what most people expect.

In this article, we’ll uncover eye-opening statistics on how many personal injury cases are filed each year and how many go to trial. These insights might shock you and give you an inside look at the trajectory of your legal journey.

How Many Personal Injury Cases Are Filed Annually in Florida? A Snapshot of 2023

In the 12 months leading up to March 31, 2023, Florida saw a staggering 28,342 personal injury cases filed in federal courts alone. But, where it gets truly eye-opening is in the per capita comparison. According to a report by Business Observer (2023):

“For every 100,000 Floridians, there are 127.41 personal injury cases filed. This is 1,237% above the national average of 9.53 cases per 100,000 people, revealing just how prevalent personal injury cases are in Florida.” (Ledger, 2023).

If we hone in on how many of these personal injury cases filed in Florida were civil cases, the answer would be 62.10% in 2023 – exceeding the national average of 11.65% by 433% (Ledger, 2023). While these statistics make it seem like Florida is a hotbed for litigation, just how many of these personal injury cases go to trial?

How Many Personal Injury Cases Go To Trial in Florida? It’s Not As Many As You’d Think

Despite the high volume of personal injury cases filed in Florida, only a small fraction makes it to trial.

1. Trial Rate: Approximately 3-5% of personal injury cases in Florida go to trial (Bureau of Justice Statistics, n.d.). This means that out of the 28,342 cases filed in federal courts in 2023, only 850-1,417 cases would have reached the courtroom.
2. Settlement Rate: The vast majority of personal injury cases, around 95% to 97%, are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved.
3. Success Rate at Trial: For cases that go to trial, plaintiffs’ success rates vary significantly depending on case type, ranging from 19% for medical malpractice, to 38-50% for product, premise liability, and intentional tort, to 61% for motor vehicle accidents (OnTheMap, 2024). This wide range reflects the varying complexities of the different types of personal injury cases that go to trial.

Why Are So Few Personal Injury Cases Going to Trial?

You might ask, “If so many cases are filed, why aren’t more going to trial?” The stark contrast between filed cases vs. trials is due to the following:

1. Settlement Encouragement – Financial Considerations & Court Congestion: Florida’s court system often promotes resolving disputes outside the courtroom through mediation and negotiation. This is mainly because trials can be incredibly costly—think “luxury yacht” expensive—often running into tens of thousands of dollars. Couple this with the legal process that takes years to reach a trial date due to court congestion, and you can see why settlements are more appealing for many.
2. Unpredictability and Risk: Jury verdicts can be unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee of winning at trial. This uncertainty often motivates both parties to seek a more controlled outcome through a settlement.
3. Emotional Toll: Trials are stressful for everyone involved, affecting one’s personal life and well-being. Many prefer to find a quick resolution through settlement versus the prolonged uncertainty of trial proceedings.

Been Injured In Florida? Give Personal Injury of Florida A Call

At Personal Injury of Florida, we’re not just lawyers – we’re your neighbors who understand the unique challenges you face. Our experienced team has successfully handled numerous personal injury cases, both in and out of court, and we are well-versed in the complexities of the legal system – view our results.

Begin your journey to reclaim your life today. Reach out to us for a free consultation and allow our dedicated team of legal experts to guide you through the process. Your path to justice starts here – call us at 561-507-5700 anytime!