What Court Handles Personal Injury Cases in the U.S.? A Guide to Civil Jurisdiction

When it comes to injury claims, where you file matters just as much as what happened. Wondering what court handles personal injury cases? At the Law Office of Sam Salhab, we’ve guided clients through both state and federal systems—because jurisdiction can change everything. It affects how fast your case moves, how much you can recover, and how it’s decided. Some courts don’t even have the power to hear your claim. One wrong move and the whole case stalls. That’s why we start smart—so you don’t have to restart later.

1. Overview of U.S. Civil Court Jurisdiction

To understand what court handles personal injury cases, you first need to understand how the U.S. court system works. Personal injury cases are civil disputes—meaning they’re not criminal proceedings, but legal conflicts between private parties. These cases fall into the broader civil jurisdiction system, which includes both state courts and federal courts.

State courts handle the vast majority of personal injury claims. If someone is injured in a car accident, slips on a wet floor, or is harmed by a defective product, the case typically starts in state court. That’s because most of these cases involve state law, not federal law.

Federal courts, on the other hand, have limited jurisdiction. They only hear personal injury cases under specific conditions—such as when the plaintiff and defendant live in different states and the damages exceed $75,000. That’s called diversity jurisdiction. The other rare path into federal court is if the case involves a federal question—something tied directly to federal law or a federal agency.

Knowing which court has the power to hear your case is the first strategic decision in any injury claim. File in the wrong place, and your case can be dismissed before it even begins.

2. When Personal Injury Cases Belong in State Court

In almost every scenario involving injury due to negligence—car crashes, falls, dog bites, medical malpractice—state courts are the correct venue. That’s because these cases are governed by state-specific tort laws, which outline everything from liability standards to damage caps to filing deadlines.

Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury cases. In California, for example, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim. Miss that deadline and you lose the right to sue, no matter how valid your case may be.

State courts are structured to handle these claims efficiently. They follow civil procedure rules tailored for the local legal landscape. Judges in these courts are familiar with the types of evidence and arguments that come with injury claims, and they apply state law as the guiding standard.

Here’s where it gets more specific: within state courts, jurisdiction also depends on the amount of damages being claimed. Some states divide their courts by dollar amount. A small personal injury claim (say, under $10,000) might go to a limited jurisdiction court or small claims, while larger claims go to a superior or district court with full civil authority.

In short, if the injury occurred locally, the defendant lives or does business locally, and you’re suing under state law, your case likely belongs in state civil court. That’s true for the majority of injury claims across the country.

3. When a Personal Injury Case Can Go to Federal Court

Though it’s rare, some personal injury cases qualify for federal jurisdiction. Understanding this exception is key if you're trying to grasp what court handles personal injury cases across different legal boundaries.

The most common federal path is diversity jurisdiction. Here’s how it works: if the plaintiff and the defendant are residents of different states, and the total damages claimed exceed $75,000, the case can be filed in federal district court. This is designed to provide a neutral playing field when the parties come from different states.

For example, if a Florida resident sues a Nevada-based company for $200,000 due to a product-related injury, that case may qualify for federal court—even though it’s still a personal injury claim based on state law.

The second path to federal court is through a federal question—meaning the case is based on a violation of federal law or involves a federal entity. For instance, if someone is injured on federal property, or if the injury stems from a defective product regulated by a federal agency like the FDA, there might be a basis for federal jurisdiction.

That said, federal courts tend to move slower and have more procedural complexity than state courts. They’re not always the best fit for injury claims unless the circumstances clearly call for it.

4. When Small Claims Court Applies

If you're dealing with a minor injury or low-dollar damages, your case may belong in small claims court. This is a simpler, faster alternative to full civil court. But it comes with trade-offs—lower damage caps and limited legal procedure.

Most states set limits between $5,000 and $10,000 for what you can recover in small claims court. If your case involves a minor car accident or an injury that didn’t require extensive treatment, this option may be worth exploring. It’s also ideal if you want to resolve the matter quickly and without hiring an attorney.

However, small claims court is not designed for complex disputes. If your injuries required surgery, long-term treatment, or you’re seeking lost wages and pain damages, you’ll likely exceed the dollar limit and need to file in regular civil court.

Also, not all injury cases qualify. If the facts are contested, multiple defendants are involved, or there's a serious legal question at play, judges may direct the case to a higher court. So while small claims can be effective, it’s not a fit for every personal injury claim.

Still, if you’re asking what court handles personal injury cases under $10,000, this is your answer.

5. Why Jurisdiction Matters

Filing in the right court isn’t just paperwork—it’s strategic. Knowing what court handles personal injury cases can affect everything from case speed to final payout. Jurisdiction determines which rules apply, what evidence is allowed, and who will decide your case.

Choose the wrong court, and a judge may dismiss your case outright, forcing you to refile and possibly miss critical deadlines. You may also run into issues like improper venue, meaning the court has no legal power over one or more parties. These mistakes are not always fixable.

Jurisdiction also affects leverage. Some courts are known for faster timelines, stricter discovery rules, or more plaintiff-friendly juries. If your case belongs in one court but ends up in another, you could lose advantages before the case even starts.

That’s why legal guidance matters. Attorneys don’t just file paperwork—they read the situation, understand the risks, and file where it counts. A well-placed claim can move efficiently, pressure the opposing side, and avoid procedural landmines.

In short, the court you choose shapes the case you get. Make the wrong call, and you may spend months backtracking. Make the right one, and you’re on track from day one.

We Don’t Just File Cases—We File Them Right

Knowing what court handles personal injury cases is more than a technical issue—it’s step one in building a case that sticks. At the Law Office of Sam Salhab, we don’t just chase claims; we map the smartest path to compensation from day one. The right court can mean faster results, stronger leverage, and fewer obstacles. The wrong one? Missed deadlines, delays, or even dismissal. If you’re hurt and unsure where to begin, we’ll guide you from consultation to courtroom—with purpose, precision, and no guesswork. One court. One chance. Let’s get it right.

FAQs

1. What court handles personal injury cases in the U.S.?

Most personal injury cases are handled in state civil courts, where judges hear claims related to accidents, negligence, and liability. In some cases, federal courts may have jurisdiction, especially if the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.

2. When does a personal injury case go to federal court?

A personal injury case goes to federal court if there is “diversity jurisdiction”—meaning the plaintiff and defendant are from different states—and the claim involves more than $75,000. Cases involving federal law or federal agencies may also qualify.

3. How do state courts handle personal injury claims?

State courts are the primary venue for injury claims involving auto accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and more. Each state has its own rules for filing, discovery, evidence, and deadlines, which makes local experience essential to successful outcomes.

4. Can personal injury cases be filed in small claims court?

Yes, minor injury claims with lower financial damages may be filed in small claims court. The limit varies by state but often falls between $5,000 and $10,000. These cases typically proceed without attorneys and are resolved more quickly than full civil trials.

5. Why does court jurisdiction matter in personal injury cases?

Jurisdiction affects where and how a case is filed, who hears it, and what procedures apply. Filing in the wrong court can lead to delays or dismissal. Choosing the correct venue is crucial for protecting your claim and maximizing your compensation.