When you’ve been injured in a serious accident, it’s not just your body that takes the hit—it’s your future. Your ability to earn, your peace of mind, and your financial security all hang in the balance. And in California, personal injury settlements aren’t just big—they’re life-changing. But those massive payouts? They’re never easy. They’re fought for.
2023 saw jaw-dropping settlements in California, with sums soaring into the millions. From catastrophic construction accidents to devastating car crashes, the stakes have never been higher. But what separates an average settlement from a headline-grabbing one? It’s all about the strategy. The legal moves. The expert knowledge of California’s personal injury laws.
Let’s dive into the top 10 personal injury settlements of 2023, as reported by TopVerdict, and uncover the laws that shaped these victories (TopVerdict).
1. $26,000,000 – Construction Accident: Gonzalez v. Doe Defendants
Construction sites can feel like a ticking time bomb. And when safety regulations are ignored? Boom. In this high-stakes case, Gonzalez, a construction worker, faced a nightmare—an elevator malfunction that left him with life-altering injuries. Negligent maintenance? Absolutely. His legal team at Easton & Easton, LLP didn’t just point fingers—they ripped the lid off the defendants’ failure to comply with Cal/OSHA regulations, California’s bible for workplace safety.
The California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA) requires employers to maintain a safe environment, including regular inspections of equipment like elevators. And this wasn’t just a small oversight—it was a massive failure that cost the company $26 million. Under California Labor Code Section 6400, employers are on the hook to protect their workers. If they don’t? Settlements like this show the price they pay.
2. $19,999,999 – Sexual Abuse Victims v. LAUSD
Sexual abuse cases involving minors? Heartbreaking doesn’t even begin to cover it. In this case against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), a group of brave students stood up and sued after suffering abuse at the hands of a teacher. The school’s failure to protect them? Unforgivable. And Michael Carrillo and Luis Carrillo didn’t just prove that. They hammered home how LAUSD’s negligence in protecting these children violated multiple child protection laws, including California Civil Code Section 1708.5, which holds institutions accountable for sexual assault.
The legal team used vicarious liability, essentially arguing that LAUSD couldn’t dodge responsibility for the actions of its employee. And the result? A nearly $20 million settlement. It’s a sobering reminder: institutions that fail to protect their most vulnerable can—and will—be held responsible.
3. $17,000,000 – Personal Injury: Plaintiff v. Defendant
This case may not have involved a high-profile defendant or a company, but its $17 million settlement speaks volumes about the power of expert legal strategy. The plaintiff sustained serious bodily injuries after a negligence-related accident. Led by Brian J. Breiter and Sean Kim, the legal team used California Civil Code Section 1714 to establish that the defendant’s negligence directly resulted in harm to their client.
California’s comparative negligence laws also played a role, as the defense attempted to argue that the plaintiff was partially at fault. However, the legal team’s expertise in personal injury law ensured that the client received full compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and future rehabilitation needs.
4. $16,000,000 – Car Accident: Injured Driver v. Truck Driver
Car accidents involving commercial trucks often lead to catastrophic injuries. In this case, an injured driver sued after being struck by a negligent truck driver. Joseph Nazarian from Pathway Law Firm successfully demonstrated that the truck driver violated California Vehicle Code Section 21801, which governs right-of-way violations.
In addition to showing that the driver was at fault, the team also focused on the trucking company’s negligent hiring and training practices, a violation of California’s Negligent Entrustment Doctrine. The $16 million settlement compensated the victim for medical bills, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering. This case highlights how California commercial trucking laws are essential in determining liability in large-scale vehicle accidents.
5. $11,350,000 – Truck Driver Accident: Injured Truck Driver v. At-Fault Truck Driver
In this accident involving two truck drivers, one suffered life-threatening injuries due to the negligence of the other. Attorneys James P. Carr and Tyler J. Barnett leveraged California’s Vicarious Liability Law and California Vehicle Code Section 21703, which governs safe following distances between vehicles.
The team proved that the defendant failed to maintain a safe distance and was operating their vehicle recklessly. The $11.35 million settlement reflects the extensive injuries sustained by the victim and the need for long-term medical care. This case demonstrates how the legal framework around vicarious liability is critical when holding employers accountable for the actions of their drivers.
6. $10,250,000 – Pedestrian Accident: Pedestrian v. Auto Driver
Pedestrian accidents often result in devastating injuries, and this case was no exception. The plaintiff, who suffered severe brain injuries, received $10.25 million after being hit by a negligent driver. Attorneys Daniel Setareh and Arash Homampour relied on California Vehicle Code Section 21950, which requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
The legal team also successfully argued that the driver’s negligence amounted to gross misconduct, entitling the victim to compensation for future medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. This settlement is a reminder of the significant protections California law provides to pedestrians and how failure to adhere to these laws can lead to substantial financial liability.
7. $10,000,000 – Car vs. Truck Accident: Auto Driver v. Trucking Company
When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are often dire. In this case, Gabriel Sepulveda-Sanchez led the legal team that secured a $10 million settlement for a driver injured by a commercial trucking company. The case hinged on the company’s negligent training and supervision of its drivers.
Using California Civil Code Section 2338, which addresses vicarious liability, the attorneys demonstrated that the company was responsible for the driver’s actions. The legal team’s ability to hold both the driver and the company accountable ensured that their client received full compensation for future medical needs and pain and suffering.
8. $9,945,000 – Construction and Pedestrian Accident: Gutierrez, et al. v. Santos Alvarez, et al.
This unique case involved both a construction accident and a pedestrian injury, resulting in a $9.945 million settlement. The plaintiff suffered traumatic brain injuries due to unsafe working conditions. Attorneys Brian Beecher and Arash Khorsandi successfully argued that the construction company violated California’s Premises Liability Law, which requires property owners and contractors to ensure safe conditions on site.
The legal team used Cal/OSHA regulations and California Civil Code Section 1714 to argue that the company’s negligence directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The result was a substantial settlement that will cover long-term medical care and rehabilitation costs for the victim.
9. $9,500,000 – Bicycle Accident: Brunmark v. RCWD
Bicycle accidents can have life-altering consequences, especially when a dangerous road condition is involved. In this case, the plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury after encountering a poorly maintained road. Jonathan Teller and Joshua Teller of Wilshire Law Firm successfully argued that the responsible municipal entity failed to warn of the danger, violating California Government Code Section 835, which mandates that public entities must maintain safe conditions on their roads.
This settlement demonstrates the critical role of premises liability in cases where governmental agencies fail to protect the public from hazardous conditions. The $9.5 million settlement reflected the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and the city’s negligence.
10. $8,750,000 – Car Accident: Injured Driver v. Commercial Vehicle Driver
In this case, a driver who was hit by a commercial vehicle sustained severe injuries. Attorneys Patrick Gunning and Deborah Chang proved that the commercial driver and the company were negligent in maintaining safe driving practices. California’s Negligent Entrustment Doctrine was pivotal in securing this $8.75 million settlement, as it established the company’s responsibility for the actions of its employee.
The settlement covered extensive medical care, pain and suffering, and loss of future income. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of hiring legal counsel experienced in navigating California’s commercial vehicle laws.
Why Legal Expertise Makes All the Difference
These cases illustrate the complexity and high stakes involved in personal injury lawsuits. The settlements secured by the victims’ legal teams weren’t just about luck—they were about understanding California’s intricate legal framework, including the California Civil Code, Vehicle Code, and Cal/OSHA regulations. Without a skilled attorney, it’s unlikely that these victims would have received the compensation they deserved.
If you’ve been injured, you need a legal team that knows the ins and outs of California personal injury law. Call California Attorney Group at (310) 278-6666 today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
