Massachusetts Personal Injury Settlement Calculator
Massachusetts is a PIP (no-fault) state with one of the lowest thresholds to sue — just $2,000 in medical expenses. High cost of living in Boston and Greater Metro drives settlements significantly above the national average.
Massachusetts PIP and the $2,000 Threshold
Massachusetts is a no-fault state under M.G.L. c. 90, § 34M. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy — required at a minimum of $8,000 — pays your initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. To step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, you must meet one of the following:
Medical expense threshold: Your reasonable medical expenses must exceed $2,000. This is one of the lowest thresholds of any no-fault state, meaning most moderate accidents qualify.
Serious injury threshold: Alternatively, you may sue if you suffered a fracture, substantial disfigurement, permanent and serious disfigurement, loss or substantial loss of a body function, or death.
Massachusetts also uses modified comparative fault (51% bar) under M.G.L. c. 231, § 85. If your fault exceeds 50%, you cannot recover anything from the other driver.
Statute of Limitations: 3 Years
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years |
| Property Damage | 3 years |
Average Settlements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top states for personal injury settlement values. Boston's high cost of living, above-average wages, and expensive medical care all drive up economic damages — and pain-and-suffering multipliers follow. The Greater Boston metro, including Cambridge, Newton, and Quincy, sees the highest verdicts.
- Minor injuries (soft tissue, whiplash): $15,000 - $45,000
- Moderate injuries (fractures, surgery): $55,000 - $150,000
- Serious injuries (permanent disability): $250,000 - $1,000,000
- Catastrophic injuries: $1,000,000+
Top Cities in Massachusetts
| City | Population | Settlement Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | 675K | Highest in state |
| Worcester | 206K | Moderate-High |
| Springfield | 155K | Moderate |
Massachusetts Insurance Minimums
Massachusetts requires drivers to carry the following minimum auto liability insurance coverage:
Required Minimum Coverage (Massachusetts)
- Bodily Injury: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $5,000 per accident
Massachusetts requires 20/40/5 minimum auto liability. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, so your own PIP coverage ($8,000 mandatory) pays first. You can only sue the at-fault driver if medical bills exceed $2,000 or you suffer serious injury.
Settlement Amounts by Injury Type in Massachusetts
Settlement values vary widely depending on how badly you were hurt. These ranges are based on typical outcomes in Massachusetts courts and insurance negotiations. Your case could be higher or lower depending on the specifics.
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range | Multiplier Used |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash / Soft Tissue | $8,000 - $25,000 | 1.5x - 2.5x |
| Fractures | $30,000 - $90,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Herniated Disc | $40,000 - $120,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Concussion / Mild TBI | $30,000 - $95,000 | 2x - 3.5x |
| Burns | $50,000 - $200,000 | 3x - 5x |
| Back / Spinal Injury | $80,000 - $400,000 | 3.5x - 5x |
| Knee / Shoulder Surgery | $50,000 - $150,000 | 2.5x - 4x |
| Wrongful Death | $500,000 - $3,000,000+ | N/A |
These numbers reflect cases where the other party was clearly at fault. If you share some blame, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Massachusetts's negligence rules.
Damages Caps in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Medical malpractice non-economic damages are capped at $500,000, but this cap can be exceeded if a jury finds substantial or permanent impairment. No cap on punitive damages, though they are rare in MA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Massachusetts's statute of limitations for personal injury?
Massachusetts has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A). Wrongful death claims must be filed within 3 years. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim, so consulting an attorney promptly is critical.
How does Massachusetts's modified comparative fault law work?
Massachusetts uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar (M.G.L. c. 231, § 85). If you are 50% or less at fault, you recover damages reduced by your share of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Massachusetts is also a PIP no-fault state — you must exhaust your $8,000 PIP benefits and typically exceed $2,000 in medical expenses before suing for pain and suffering.
What is the average settlement in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts personal injury settlements average $45,000 to $165,000 — among the highest in the US. Boston's high cost of living, higher wages, and active plaintiff bar drive up settlement values significantly. Minor injuries: $15K-$45K. Moderate injuries: $55K-$150K. Serious injuries: $250K-$1M+. The $2,000 PIP threshold is low and easily met.
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