What Was the Largest Personal Injury Settlement in California Last Year? Recognition from Top Verdicts

California saw several landmark injury recoveries last year, and it is an honor to have J&Y Law recognized by Top Verdict for leading the way. These achievements represent the resilience of our clients, the dedication of our team, and the belief that justice can make a lasting difference in people’s lives. 

Recognition from Top Verdict is an honor, but our real measure of success comes from helping people rebuild after life-changing injuries. These verdicts highlight what is possible when compassion, preparation, and relentless advocacy come together for a shared goal: justice. 

What Was the Top Verdict in San Diego County?

In San Diego, the result of Brown v. Vista United School District was awarded the #1 verdict in the category of school safety, failure to supervise, and amputation claims, according to Top Verdict. This recovery emphasizes that school districts must maintain vigilant supervision and safety standards, or they’ll be held financially and legally accountable. 

“This one wasn’t just about one student,” says Alex Boris, Senior Trial Attorney at J&Y Law.  “It’s about a system that failed to protect. When I think about what happened more recently in the Tracy Learning Center case, it’s clear: this isn’t about budget excuses or pointing fingers at individual staff, it’s about getting honest answers, fixing the problems, and finding better solutions for the students who’ve been hurt. I hope this settlement sends a message to every negligent school out there. If you’re not keeping kids safe, you will be held accountable.”  

What Was the Top Settlement in Sacramento County?

Sacramento’s leading case according to Top Verdict last year was Fitzgerald v. 7Eleven, Inc., et al., which earned their #1 distinction in dangerous condition, premises liability, slip & fall, brain injury, fall accidents, failure to maintain, and retail premises liability. This shows that even retail or everyday commercial locations can become high-stakes liability sites when maintenance and safety standards are ignored. 

According to Parham Nikfarjam, Senior Trial Attorney at J&Y Law on the Fitzgerald case: 

“Businesses don’t get to cut corners and walk away like nothing happened. A slip and fall might sound minor, until you meet someone like our client, who suffered an injury that could affect every part of their future. That’s why we were so proud of this settlement. It gave our client a second chance to enjoy life again, on their terms. We’re here for them, we’ll always be here for them, and we’re honored they trusted us to carry their case forward.” 

What Was the Top Settlement in Santa Clara County?

In Santa Clara, a Bicycle v. Garbage Disposal Truck backup accident became one of the year’s defining injury cases. Our client had been riding his bike when the truck backed up unexpectedly, hitting him and throwing him to the ground. He suffered severe head and spinal injuries. The case, recognized by Top Verdict as the top recovery across multiple categories – including bicycle accidents, truck collisions, emotional distress, and backup-related injuries – showed how a single, well-built claim can shape broader trends in California injury law.

Why These Highest Paid Lawsuits Matter to You

• Precedent and leverage: These headline verdicts become benchmarks. Injured parties and defense teams alike reference them when assessing case value. 

• Proof of accountability: Big recoveries prove that negligent conduct carries real consequences, whether it was a dangerous sidewalk, poor supervision, or a serious crash. 

• Transparency in result: Publishing top verdicts helps the public see what’s possible, not just what insurance adjusters say. 

• Local relevance: If your injury case arises in California, these records can influence how your claim is valued. 

How Does a Law Firm Win the Largest Personal Injury Settlement?

1. Strong investigation: Crash reconstruction, medical experts, maintenance logs, and inspection histories. 
2. Identifying all liable parties: Truck companies, municipalities, school districts, and retailers. 
3. Persuasive narrative: It’s lost life, lost abilities, emotional impact, and future losses. Not just an injury. 
4. Aggressive negotiation or trial readiness: Carriers must know your team can push to verdict if needed. 

What Questions Should You Ask if You’ve Been Injured?

• Has your attorney compared your injury to last year’s top county/state recoveries? 

• Are they reviewing prior verdict benchmarks in your region? 

• How are they calculating your future losses, emotional harm, rehabilitation, and non-economic damages? 

• Are they preparing to respond if the defense tries to minimize or delay your recovery? 

At J&Y Law, every verdict is built on collaboration. Attorneys, staff, experts, and most importantly, our clients all play a role in our success. We are proud to serve communities across California, standing up for people when they need it most and making sure their voices are heard. 

If you or a loved one was injured, contact us at J&Y Law for a free consultation. We’ll analyze your claim against California’s leading cases and help you negotiate or litigate for the fair outcome you deserve.