Personal Injury Statistics in North Dakota
Understanding personal injury statistics in North Dakota helps you benchmark your case value, understand the legal environment, and set realistic expectations for your claim.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
$10,000 – $45,000
Average Settlement Range
Varies widely by injury severity and case type
Modified comparative fault (50% bar)
Fault System
Directly affects how damages are calculated
6 years
Statute of Limitations
Time to file from date of injury
No-Fault (PIP)
Auto Insurance System
Own insurer pays initial medical bills
North Dakota Injury Cases — By the Numbers
4,500 cases/yr
PI Cases Filed Annually
$37,000
Average Settlement
$22,500
Median Settlement
44%
Plaintiff Trial Win Rate
12 mo
Avg. Time to Settle
Workplace Injury
Top Injury Type
8 mo
Civil Court Backlog
35%
Avg. Contingency Fee
Key Facts About North Dakota Injury Law
North Dakota is a no-fault auto insurance state under N.D.C.C. § 26.1-41-01, requiring all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that pays medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident, with limits set by policy terms.
North Dakota provides a generous 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16, giving injured victims substantially more time to investigate, seek treatment, and decide whether to pursue legal action compared to most other states.
North Dakota uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar under N.D.C.C. § 32-03.2-02 — plaintiffs who are found 50% or more at fault for the accident are completely barred from recovering damages, while those with lesser fault have their award proportionally reduced.
North Dakota Personal Injury Law Overview
North Dakota combines mandatory no-fault PIP insurance with a modified comparative fault system featuring a 50% bar. The state's 6-year statute of limitations is among the most generous in the country. North Dakota's oil and gas industry in the Bakken Formation generates significant workplace injury and environmental claim litigation. Agricultural equipment accidents and rural road collisions are common injury claim types. North Dakota has no general cap on compensatory damages for most personal injury cases. North Dakota law does not specifically cap punitive damages, though courts apply common law standards for proportionality. Medical malpractice claims are subject to a 2-year statute of limitations under N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18. Claims against government entities require compliance with the North Dakota Tort Claims Act. North Dakota workers' compensation is administered through the Workforce Safety & Insurance system, which provides exclusive remedy for most work-related injuries.