As per the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), the average number of crash and injury fatality cases in the state totaled 4,262.3 in the last three years.
Personal injury lawsuits often arise from such incidents but also include instances like medical malpractice. Legal charges aim to compensate for physical, emotional, or financial damages. But are personal injury settlements taxable? They’re typically tax-exempt, offering relief to claimants.
However, there are discrepancies. These intricacies are crucial, especially if you’re ever involved in wrong death cases in California. This article delves into the specifics of personal injury settlements in California, shedding light on their tax implications and offering insights on how you can prepare for them effectively.
What is a Personal Injury Settlement?
Under California law, a personal injury settlement is an agreement between parties in a civil lawsuit concerning damages resulting from someone’s wrongful actions or negligence. As a civil lawsuit, it falls under California’s Civil Procedure, which outlines the legal framework and processes for resolving such disputes, including negotiation, mediation, or civil court trial.
For instance, if you suffered physical injuries or emotional distress due to the defendant’s actions, you could file a claim to get compensation. This settlement can also cover medical expenses and lost wages.
What are the Tax Implications of a Personal Injury Settlement?
Are personal injury settlements taxable? Yes, they’re tax-exempt on the federal level. These may, however, vary on the state level. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permits the exclusion of settlements obtained from a personal injury lawsuit from gross income when filing taxes. This tax-exempt status extends to lump sum awards and periodic payments.
Whether settled in or out-of-court, compensation in personal injury cases usually depends on the damage’s extent, which varies widely. The coverage of a personal injury settlement is tax-exempt because it aims to restore the injured party to their pre-injury financial state rather than generate additional taxable earnings. These non-taxable compensations may include the following:
- Medical bills – These comprise costs for hospitalization, medication, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Unpaid wages – These settlements cover the financial impact caused by the injury, whether it’s a temporary disability or permanent impairment that affects one’s ability to earn.
- Moral damages for pain and suffering – Personal injury settlements acknowledge the intangible yet profound impact of injuries; hence, they compensate for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage – In cases involving the destruction of property, such as vehicles in a car accident, settlements may cover the repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of consortium – In some instances, compensation includes the impact the injury has on the victim’s relationship with their family members or spouse.
Are There Exceptions?
As mentioned, personal injury settlements, covering both economic and non-economic damages, are tax-exempt at the federal level. At the state level, taxation applies to specific elements. Below are some examples.
1. Punitive damages
Punitive damages in a personal injury case generally do not qualify for tax-exempt, except in wrongful death cases. The rationale is that punitive damages aim to punish the defendant for their behavior rather than pay off the plaintiff for their losses. Consequently, they may be subject to taxation at both federal and state levels.
In most cases, punitive damages are classified as “Other Income” for tax purposes. Moreover, a limit on punitive damages is usually set at four times the value of compensatory damages. This measure aims to discourage the defendant and others from committing similar wrongful acts by imposing a financial penalty exceeding the compensatory damages awarded.
If a company knowingly produced a defective product and caused severe injuries to individuals, punitive damages would likely be awarded to penalize the company for its recklessness. But before granting punitive damages, the court must consider various factors, such as the following:
- The court must evaluate whether the defendant’s conduct displayed malice, intent, or gross negligence.
- The court must review past cases to check instances where punitive damages were granted.
2. Interest income
Interest earned on the settlement amount might not fall under the tax-exempt status and could be subject to taxation. This interest income can accrue from the time of the injury until the settlement is received. For example, if you received compensation for a workplace injury several years after the incident, the interest earned while awaiting resolution could be subject to taxation.
3. Non-physical injury claims
Settlements for non-physical injury claims, such as defamation or breach of contract that doesn’t involve physical harm, might not qualify for the tax-exempt status that generally applies to personal injury settlements.
If a business suffers financial loss or significant economic harm due to another party’s breach of contract but did not result in physical injuries, the settlement might not be -exempt. Another example is if you went through severe distress due to the intentional infliction of emotional harm by someone but did not experience physical injuries. The settlement for your emotional suffering might not be tax-exempt.
Closing the Case of Personal Injury Settlements
Personal injury settlements, whether covering economic or non-economic damages, are often tax-exempt at the federal level. Still, exceptions exist at the state level and for some aspects within the settlement. There are also exceptions to what is taxable and other factors the court considers, such as maliciousness or intent behind the defendant’s actions.
Hence, it’s crucial to determine the various aspects of personal injury settlements. If you’ve been involved in a personal injury case or need a wrongful death lawyer, connect with our team at RMD Law for expert assistance and guidance through the legal process. We have competent lawyers ready to represent and serve you. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.
Every case is different and the above information is for general purposes. You must rely on the advice of a Certified Public Accountant or a Tax Attorney specific to your situation when making tax payments after settling a personal injury case.
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