Personal Injury Statistics in the US

Over 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses are reported annually in the United States, underscoring the broad scope of personal injuries that impact Americans. Personal injury statistics in the US highlight the commonality of such incidents and emphasize the importance of understanding the intricacies of personal injuries for the victims and legal professionals.

JG Winter Law advocates for enhanced safety measures and provides you with comprehensive legal support to help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Each year in the United States, millions of people experience personal injuries from various accidents. These injuries range widely from car accidents to workplace mishaps. The statistics below illustrate the most common types of personal injuries in the US.

Motor vehicle accidents: Motor vehicle collisions lead to approximately 4.5 million yearly injuries. Vehicle accidents remain the most significant contributor to personal injury cases.

Medical malpractice: Roughly 200,000 individuals annually suffer from injuries due to medical malpractice.

Workplace injuries: In 2019 alone, 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported.

Slip and fall accidents: These incidents result in over 1 million emergency room visits yearly. Slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes of personal injury in the US.

Fatalities: Traffic-related incidents resulted in 16,600 pedestrian deaths in 2020.

Personal injury statistics highlight the frequent occurrence of such incidents and underscore the potential severity of the outcomes. Below are some vital personal injury statistics in the US.

• In 2020, personal injury filings nearly doubled from the previous year, with product liability cases rising by 55,121.
• Of over 400,000 personal injury cases annually, only 4% go to trial—most are settled out of court.
• The most frequent cause of personal injuries in the US is motor vehicle accidents, accounting for 52% of cases.
• In 2019, approximately 4.5 million injury cases in the US were linked to motor vehicle incidents.
  Motorcycle accidents are hazardous, with a fatality rate of 58.33 per 100,000 registered motorcycles.
• Multiple-vehicle collisions were responsible for the highest number of traffic deaths in 2019, totaling 43% of all fatalities.
  By 2030, it’s projected that the US could witness 7 fall deaths every hour if current rates continue.
• The years 2019 through 2021 saw a sharp increase in motor vehicle fatalities, totaling 5.4 million in 2021.
• Motor-vehicle death rates per 10,000 registered vehicles have decreased dramatically from 33 in 1913 to 1.66 in 2021.

Personal injuries do not discriminate, impacting various demographics across the United States. However, certain groups tend to be more vulnerable based on age, gender, and specific circumstances.

Falls among elderly: Every year, 1 out of 4 Americans over 65 experiences a fall, a leading cause of injury among this age group.

Motor vehicle accidents in young adults: Vehicle accidents involving 19- to 44 year olds are particularly frequent.

Workplace injuries: The construction industry recorded the highest number of accidents with 958 cases in 2021, closely followed by transportation and warehousing with 748 fatal injuries.

Gender differences in fall incidents: Women are statistically more likely to experience fall incidents, accounting for 59.6% of such cases.

Motorcycle injuries: In 2019 alone, there were 81,000 motorcycle-related injuries.

General injury and mortality rates: Unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., with poisonings alone causing about 65,000 deaths each year.

Besides the immediate medical costs, personal injuries in the US place a substantial burden on the healthcare system, affect the economic stability of victims and their families, and result in significant productivity losses nationwide.

Medical costs: Treatment for personal injuries can be exceedingly costly, involving long hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.

Lost wages: Victims often miss work during recovery, leading to lost wages. In severe cases, injuries can result in permanent disability, preventing victims from returning to work altogether.

Productivity loss: Beyond individual financial losses, personal injuries can lead to decreased productivity, affecting employers and the economy as a whole.

Insurance and litigation costs: Personal injuries can lead to higher insurance premiums and extensive legal costs as you seek compensation.

Long-term financial strain: Many families face ongoing financial challenges due to continued medical care and the need for adaptations in their homes and lifestyles to accommodate permanent disabilities.

Personal injury law compensates those harmed by others’ negligence or intentional acts. It includes several key aspects:

Compensation: Victims can claim damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages intended to punish particularly egregious conduct.

Liability: Establishing liability involves proving that someone’s action or inaction caused the injury. It often requires demonstrating negligence, which means that the responsible party failed to act reasonably.

Contributory and comparative negligence: Many cases involve contributory or comparative negligence elements, where the victim’s negligence may reduce the compensation they receive.

Statute of limitations: There are strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, which vary by state. For instance, in California, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury.

Personal injury lawyers help you navigate the complex legal landscape of injury claims. They provide expert guidance through the process, from filing the claim to negotiating settlements. A lawyer negotiates with insurance companies and significantly improves the chances of securing a fair settlement. They accurately estimate the value of your claim and help you compensate for your injuries, pain, and any financial losses. Lawyers also gather and present necessary evidence to support your claim, which is vital for a successful outcome.

Learn more in our other blog, “What does a personal injury lawyer do?” 

Critical personal injury statistics in the US highlight these incidents’ frequency, causes, and significant financial implications. For anyone navigating the aftermath of a personal injury, securing knowledgeable legal guidance is crucial. J.G. Winter Law can guide and support you in such a challenging time. Our personal injury lawyers help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us for professional assistance.