What is the Average Settlement for Nerve Damage?

The average settlement for nerve damage is $578,073, and the median settlement amount is $250,000, which better represents the typical payout. Factors that influence the settlement amount of nerve damage cases include the injury severity, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. This data is based on 25 personal injury cases that include nerve damage injuries recorded by Thomson Reuters between 2019 and 2024.

Table of Contents

• Settlement Examples
• Settlement Factors
• Legal Help
• FAQs

Settlement data is as follows:

• Median settlement amount = $250,000: The median more accurately reflects the typical payout for a personal injury settlement with nerve damage injuries because the calculation is less subject to being skewed by extremely high or low settlement amounts.
• Average settlement amount = $578,073: The average settlement amount is the sum of all settlements divided by the number of settlements. It provides a single figure that summarizes the overall level of compensation awarded in auto accident cases within the study.
• Highest settlement amount = $2,900,000: An individual working at a construction site fell from a makeshift scaffold to the concrete surface below. The individual suffered a laceration to the eyelid requiring sutures, double vision, cranial nerve damage, radiculopathy, spine injury, bulging and herniated lumbar discs, lumbar stenosis, lumbar myofascial pain, head trauma with headaches, hearing loss, and fractures to the nasal and supraorbital areas. The individual required lumbar fusion and surgery to repair the nasal fracture and was unable to return to work. The plaintiff claimed negligence for failing to provide a safe work environment. The defendant argued that the individual could perform daily activities and return to employment, denying the lumbar injuries were related to the accident. The parties settled after a jury found in favor of the individual.
• Lowest settlement amount = $45,000: An individual working as a technician was installing a rear-end part on a truck when the part fell onto their left hand, resulting in the amputation of one finger and severe bone and nerve damage to the remaining fingers. Bone had to be taken from the individual’s hip to repair the damage to the hand, leading to extensive hip treatment. The individual suffered a temporary total disability to the body as a whole, which was acknowledged by the defendant.

Note: Like all personal injury settlement data, this should not be interpreted as a guaranteed settlement amount for a nerve damage injury claim. Each case is unique, and there are many factors that impact settlement value. Settlement data and examples are intended for informational use.

Nerve Damage Settlement Examples

• $75K nerve damage settlement: A minor suffered a laceration and leg nerve damage after coming into contact with a broken light fixture while posing for a family photograph at an eatery. The injury resulted in scarring and an inability to bear weight on the leg for several weeks, requiring both external and internal stitches. The minor’s parents contended that the establishment was negligent in allowing a hazardous condition.
• $170K nerve damage settlement: An individual was awarded a workers’ compensation settlement after injuring their foot, leg, hip, back, and suffering nerve damage while working. The individual claimed to have sustained permanent injury and disability due to the accident.
• $300K nerve damage settlement: A minor suffered a skull fracture, eyelid ptosis, eye misalignment, vision issues, optic nerve cupping, bilateral eye pain, transient alteration of awareness, sensitivity to sound, and sleep terrors after the vehicle she was a passenger in was struck head-on by another vehicle. The claim for personal injuries was brought on her behalf by the parents.
• $750K nerve damage settlement: An individual reportedly suffered a fracture, nerve damage, and a concussion while riding a bicycle in a bike lane when struck from behind by a city truck. The individual contended that the driver negligently veered into the bike lane to pass another truck, causing the collision and resulting in catastrophic injuries.
• $1.2M nerve damage settlement: An individual suffered seven stab wounds, blood loss, lung punctures, scarring on arms and torso, permanent nerve damage to the right hand resulting in loss of use of the thumb and little finger, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression after a knife attack. The individual claimed that an employee or agent of the property owner, where the individual was a tenant, attacked them after approaching the employee’s room due to noise. The individual alleged that the property owner was aware of the employee’s previous violent acts but allowed the employee to continue working as the onsite manager. The defendant denied that the attacker was their employee or agent and argued that the individual had given the attacker a psychotropic drug, leading to the attack. Additional damages for emotional and post-traumatic stress disorder were awarded.
• $1.75M nerve damage settlement: A minor reportedly suffered a puncture wound to the left foot, nerve damage requiring surgery, and complex regional pain syndrome after stepping on a piece of steel rebar sticking out of a grassy area at a park. The minor’s mother contended that the park management failed to repair or warn of the hazardous condition. The defendant agreed to settle, with the net settlement funds to be deposited into a blocked account and invested in an annuity for the minor’s benefit, with withdrawals only upon court authorization.

Factors That Influence Nerve Damage Settlement Value

Severity of the Injury: The extent and severity of the nerve damage, including whether it is temporary or permanent, significantly impact the settlement amount.

Medical Expenses: The cost of past, current, and future medical treatments, including surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care.

Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to the inability to work, including past wages and future earning capacity.

Pain & Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the nerve damage.

Impact on Daily Life: The extent to which the nerve damage affects the individual’s ability to perform daily activities and maintain a normal lifestyle.

Age and Health of the Victim: Younger individuals or those in good health prior to the injury may receive higher settlements due to the long-term impact on their lives.

Degree of Negligence: The clarity of evidence showing the defendant’s negligence or liability can influence the settlement amount. Strong evidence of fault can lead to higher compensation.

Pre-existing Conditions: Whether the individual had any pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to or been exacerbated by the injury.

Legal Representation: The skill and experience of the attorney representing the injured party can affect the negotiation process and the final settlement amount.

Insurance Policy Limits: The limits of the defendant’s insurance policy may cap the maximum settlement amount available.

Jurisdiction: The laws and precedents in the jurisdiction where the case is being tried can influence settlement amounts, as some areas are known for higher or lower compensation awards.

Get Help With Your Nerve Damage Injury Claim From An Attorney

It’s important to note that each nerve damage claim, and how much your case is worth will depend on the unique circumstances and variables of your case. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you build a strong case, and maximize the compensation you receive from your claim.

Getting started with your injury claim is easy. Just request a free case evaluation online, and a legal team in our network will reach out to you regarding your case. Our network of attorneys includes a team of over 250+ legal professionals throughout the United States with over $1 billion recovered for clients, including those that has suffered nerve damage as a result of an accident.

⚖️ All of our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees or costs — you only pay if you win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to file a nerve damage injury claim?

The time limit to file an injury claim (known as the statue of limitations) varies by state, typically ranging from one to six years, depending on the jurisdiction. It’s important to check your state’s specific statute of limitations to ensure you file within the allowed period. Consulting with a legal professional can provide precise guidance for your situation.

How are nerve damage injury settlement calculated?

How personal injury settlements are calculated based on factors such as the severity and permanence of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact on the individual’s daily life and future earning capacity. The degree of negligence and the limits of the defendant’s insurance policy can also influence the settlement amount. Each case is unique, and settlements vary accordingly.

How long will my nerve damage injury claim take to settle?

The time it takes to settle a nerve damage injury claim can vary widely, typically ranging from several months to a few years. Factors influencing the timeline include the complexity of the case, the severity of the injury, and whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial.