According to Department of Justice data cited by Forbes Advisor, only 4%-5% of personal injury cases proceed to trial, with many settling before trial. Using information from legal articles, legal information databases, and encyclopedia entries, Webb Patel of The Patel Firm compiled a list of the 10 most useful terms one should know for understanding personal injury cases. Proximate CauseA major part of personal injury cases involves finding the proximate cause of the injuries suffered by the victim. Most damages awarded in personal injury cases are compensatory. The majority of personal injury legal disputes are settled outside the court, with only 4%-5% of cases reaching the trial stage.