Medical Malpractice Settlement Ranges by Injury Type (2026)

By John Mahoney · Reviewed by a practicing physician · Updated 2026-09-02 · 12 injury types × 50 states + DC

The first question a client asks is "what is my case worth," and the honest answer starts with the injury, not the state. Each page below takes one injury type, explains what actually moves its value — severity, economic damages, causation strength, the state's cap — shows the estimated range from MedLegal AI's case-comparables model for every state, and links to the liability guides for that case type. The by-state pages answer the same question from the other direction.

How these numbers were produced — read this first

The figures on this page are estimated ranges from MedLegal AI's case-comparables model — the same model our Case Analysis tool uses to frame settlement discussions. They are not averages or statistics pulled from a verdict-reporter database, no specific verdict or settlement is cited, and no number here is "the average settlement" for any case type.

Treat them as directional planning estimates only. Actual outcomes vary widely with the specific facts, the severity and permanence of injury, the venue and jury pool, applicable damages caps, insurance limits, and the quality of counsel and experts on both sides. Many meritorious cases resolve below these ranges; catastrophic-injury cases can resolve far above them. Always verify case value with a licensed attorney in the relevant state.

Choose an injury type

Value the actual case — not the injury category

Enter the injury, liability, and venue facts and get a defensible settlement range you can put in front of a client or an adjuster, then build the case plan around it.

Settlement Valuation Calculator → Build a Case Plan

Related resources

This page is informational only and is not legal or medical advice. All figures are model estimates — consult a licensed attorney in the relevant state to evaluate any actual claim.