Understanding Jury Verdict Trends in KC Personal Injury Cases

Jury verdicts shape the real-world value of personal injury cases. Whether you’re an injured driver, a family member of an accident victim, or simply trying to understand how personal injury claims work in the Kansas City metro, knowing how juries are deciding cases matters.

Each year, we closely analyze jury verdict data from across the metro area to understand how trends are shifting—and what that means for our clients. We’ll break down 2025 jury verdict trends and what they reveal about personal injury cases in Kansas City and surrounding counties.

2025 Jury Verdict Trends in the Kansas City Metro

Each year, legal professionals receive detailed jury verdict reports covering civil trials across multiple counties, including Missouri and Kansas jurisdictions. These reports provide insight into how juries actually rule—not just how cases are argued.

Key Takeaways from 2025 Jury Verdict Data

Several important trends stood out in 2025:

• Fewer civil jury trials overall
  Only 70 civil jury trials were reported, continuing a downward trend seen in recent years.

• Lower plaintiff win rates
  Plaintiffs (injured individuals) won fewer cases compared to prior years.

• Decline in large verdicts
  High-dollar verdicts were less common, resulting in a significant drop in total jury-awarded damages.

These trends directly affect how personal injury cases are evaluated, negotiated, and resolved.

Why Jury Verdict Data Matters in Personal Injury Cases

Jury verdict trends are not just academic—they influence real settlement negotiations every day. Insurance companies track verdict data closely to determine how much risk they face if a case goes to trial. Experienced personal injury lawyers use the same data to:

• Accurately value claims

• Advise clients on settlement offers

• Decide when a case should go to trial

Understanding jury behavior helps level the playing field for injured victims.

Venue Matters: Where Your Case Is Filed Can Change the Outcome

One of the biggest factors affecting a personal injury verdict is venue, meaning the county where the lawsuit is filed.

In 2025:

• Jackson County, Missouri juries ruled in favor of plaintiffs about 51% of the time

• Johnson County, Kansas juries showed a higher plaintiff win rate at 59%, but typically awarded lower damage amounts

This distinction is critical. The same injury case can have very different outcomes depending on where it is tried.

Comparative Fault Laws: Missouri vs. Kansas

Fault rules also play a major role in jury verdicts.

• Missouri: Pure Comparative Fault

Missouri allows injured parties to recover compensation even if they are mostly at fault, though the award is reduced by their percentage of fault.

• Kansas: Modified Comparative Fault

Kansas bars recovery if the injured person is found to be more than 50% at fault.

This difference alone can determine whether an injury victim receives compensation—or nothing at all.

2025 Car Accident Jury Verdict Averages

Motor vehicle accident cases continued to dominate personal injury trials in 2025. Average verdicts included:

• Rear-end collisions: ~$353,000

• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist cases: ~$356,000

• Right-of-way violations: ~$125,000

Clear liability, consistent medical treatment, and well-documented injuries were common factors in higher verdicts.

What Juries Expect in Personal Injury Cases

Based on 2025 verdict data, juries respond best to cases that include:

• Prompt and consistent medical treatment

• Clear medical records linking injuries to the accident

• Honest, straightforward testimony from the injured person

• Realistic damage claims supported by evidence

Cases that appear exaggerated or poorly documented tend to struggle in front of juries.

Preparation and Experience Make the Difference

Jury verdict trends change over time, but one thing remains constant: preparation matters. Injury victims benefit from working with a seasoned Kansas City personal injury lawyer who understands local jury behavior, venue differences, and state-specific fault laws.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, seeking legal guidance early can help protect your claim and improve your chances of securing fair compensation—whether through settlement or trial.

For a deeper comparison, you can also explore how these trends shifted from the previous year in our 2024 jury verdict review.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and don’t face the legal process alone.