Ryan Findlay | March 6, 2025 | Personal Injury
What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement Amount?
Accidents can happen in many ways. Maybe you slipped on a wet floor or got injured in a car crash. No matter how it happened, you might want to know how much money you can recover. In Ontario, there isn’t a single “average” settlement amount. Each case is different because every person’s injuries and circumstances are unique.
However, there are still some factors that are common to most cases, which we’ll cover below.
Every Case Is Different
Personal injury settlements in Ontario are designed to cover the harm someone else’s negligence caused you. But not every injury is the same. Some people have minor bruises that heal quickly. Others might have life-changing injuries that require surgery or long-term care.
A few things that can affect your settlement include:
- The seriousness of your injuries: Larger medical bills and more intense treatment can lead to higher claims.
- Time off work: If you miss many days or can’t return to your old job, you may ask for more compensation.
- Fault issues: If it’s clear someone else caused your accident, proving your claim may be simpler. If there’s a dispute, it might take longer to settle.
- Insurance coverage: Insurers often pay these settlements. But if the at-fault party has limited coverage, the total amount might be lower.
Because each situation is unique, there’s no standard payout amount that applies to everyone.
Pecuniary Damages
Ontario law divides personal injury damages into two main groups. The first group is pecuniary damages. These cover the money you’ve lost because of the accident.
Pecuniary damages might include:
- Medical bills: Doctor visits, hospital stays, rehab sessions, and therapy.
- Lost wages: If you have to miss work or can’t work the same number of hours as before.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Expenses like transportation to medical appointments or help with daily tasks at home.
These amounts can often be added up with receipts, pay stubs, and other records. Gathering this evidence helps show the true cost of your injury.
Non-Pecuniary Damages
The second group of damages is non-pecuniary damages.
These compensate you for things that aren’t as easy to measure in dollars and cents:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, aches, and the emotional toll from your injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Missing out on hobbies, sports, or time with family because you’re in pain or healing.
- Emotional distress: Feelings of anxiety, fear, or mental strain caused by the accident.
These damages can be harder to calculate, but they can often be the most lucrative part of the overall claim.
Other Factors That Can Shape Your Settlement
Here are a few more points to consider when thinking about a potential settlement:
- Insurance negotiations: Many claims are resolved through discussions with insurance adjusters, who may try to offer less than you expect.
- Legal deadlines: If you don’t act within Ontario’s statutory time limits, you could lose your right to compensation.
- No-fault insurance rules: Ontario’s “no-fault” rules can also impact the compensation available to you after a car accident.
- Comparative fault: If you’re partly responsible for the accident, your settlement might be reduced.
- Desire to settle vs. go to court: Taking a case to trial can lead to bigger awards, but it also takes longer and involves more risk.
Getting an experienced lawyer involved early on can get your case off on the right foot.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Ontario, Canada
When people ask, “What’s the average settlement amount?” they’re hoping for a simple number. But in Ontario, personal injury settlements depend on many details—like injury severity, types of damages, and who’s at fault. One person might settle for a few thousand dollars, while another could get hundreds of thousands if their injuries are life-altering.
The best way to learn what your case might be worth is to talk to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. They can look at your medical records, understand your work situation, and assess how the accident has changed your life.
If you need legal help with a personal injury case, contact the team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Hamilton, ON
20 Hughson St S #510, Hamilton, ON L8N 2A1
(905) 522-9799
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Brantford, ON
325 West St #102a, Brantford, ON N3R 3V6
(226) 401-5433
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Burlington, ON
2349 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7R 2E3
(289) 512-0829
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – St Catharines, ON
55 King St Suite 207, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3H5
(289) 301-9496
