In Pennsylvania, when you sustain injury due to the negligence or reckless actions of another party, you have the legal ability to pursue a personal injury claim. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver on the West End Bridge in Pittsburgh or sustained an injury following surgery at Lancaster General Hospital, understanding the average personal injury settlement in Pennsylvania is important, and the lawyers at Ainsman Levine, LLC are here to help.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover Following a Personal Injury
In 2024, the U.S. experienced 197,449 preventable deaths, 54 million injuries, and personal injury costs more than $1.3 billion. Depending on numerous factors, the victims of personal injury may be able to recover the following types of compensation:
- All related past, current, and future medical bills, including costs for treatment, surgeries, diagnostic testing, medications, medical devices, hospital stays, transportation to and from appointments, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Lost wages, lost employment benefits, or the loss of future earning capacity if you are unable to return to work for a period of time due to the extent of your injuries
- Any repairs or replacements needed for damaged personal property, including vehicles, electronics, or anything else belonging to you that was damaged in the accident
- Non-economic damages, or those that cannot easily be assigned a monetary value, including pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, emotional distress and mental anguish, and loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages, which can include funeral and burial costs following a tragic loss of life
- Punitive damages, awarded in very rare cases to punish the liable party for grossly negligent behavior and dissuade them from taking similar actions in the future
At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we have over 30 years of experience delivering results to our personal injury clients. In the last three decades, we have recovered millions on behalf of injured individuals and their families, and while these past results do not guarantee future outcomes, we are dedicated to offering you the personalized and dedicated legal care and counsel you deserve.
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Factors Determining Settlement Amounts in PA
Across the United States, personal injury settlements can vary greatly. There are a range of factors that can determine the amount of compensation you can recover in a settlement, including:
- Severity of injuries: One of the most crucial factors in determining the amount of compensation you can recover is the severity and extent of your injuries. The more severe your injury, the higher amount of compensation you are likely due thanks to recovery costs and the ways in which the injury may impact your life. For example, you are likely to recover more compensation for a spinal cord injury than a broken arm.
- Severity of property damage: Similarly to the severity of injuries, the severity of property damage you sustain in a personal injury accident can have a direct impact on the amount of compensation you can expect in a settlement. For example, you are likely to recover a higher amount of compensation should you need to replace your vehicle than in cases where you simply need to have minor repairs to your bicycle.
- Certainty of liability: If liability, or fault, is easily determined and proven, then the compensation amount you may be able to recover is likely higher. In cases where there is a dispute regarding fault, it can affect the final settlement amount.
- Extent of mental and emotional distress: Keep in mind that your physical injuries and damages are only one part of your claim. The emotional and mental distress you suffer can also play a role in determining the average value of your settlement. In cases where the victim suffers anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions because of the injury, this can affect the amount of compensation typically available.
About Ainsman Levine, LLC
Since 1995, the injury attorneys at Ainsman Levine, LLC have been negotiating full and fair settlements with some of the largest insurance companies in the country. In the rare event your case proceeds to a courtroom trial, our entire team is here to advocate for your rights and protect your interests when it comes to recovering deserved compensation.
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FAQs
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Personal Injury Settlement?
In Pennsylvania, in personal injury accidents that do not result in any kind of death, no, typically the settlement you receive is not taxable, as a personal injury settlement is not considered a form of income. However, in cases where the injury has resulted in death, then damages could be subject to federal and state tax.
What Evidence Can Be Helpful in Proving Compensation?
There are a number of forms of evidence that can be helpful when proving your need for compensation in a Pennsylvania personal injury claim. These forms of evidence include all related medical reports and bills, photos of your injuries or of the accident scene, any statements made by witnesses, and the police report related to the accident.
What Should I Do After Suffering a Personal Injury?
In Pennsylvania, after suffering a personal injury, the steps you take can directly impact your ability to recover compensation. First, if you can, move to safety and call 911. It is important that you have yourself checked over for injury even if you feel completely fine. You should also take photos of your injuries and the accident scene, and exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault party.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Personal Injuries?
In Pennsylvania, there are a number of causes of personal injury accidents. These accidents can range from head-on car crashes to cases of nursing home negligence, dog attacks, and slip and fall accidents. According to a recent study, the top three leading causes of preventable injury and death include poisoning, falls, and motorcycle accidents.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
When you have suffered injury through no fault of your own, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer who can help you recover your due compensation. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our attorneys are ready and able to serve you. Contact our Pittsburgh-based offices today and schedule a consultation.

