The Biggest Personal Injury Verdicts & Settlements of 2026

Maryland: $71M Verdict Against Apartment Owner After Fire Forces Teen to Jump, Causing Paralysis

Represented by: Gilman & Bedigian

A Prince George’s County jury awarded more than $71 million to Godlove Djapa, who suffered catastrophic injuries after jumping from a second-story apartment during a nighttime fire at the Lilly Garden apartment complex in Lanham. The May 2022 fire occurred without functioning sprinklers or an audible fire alarm, leaving Djapa, then 18, and his family trapped as flames spread through their unit. With their apartment door jammed from heat expansion, Djapa and his brother were forced to jump from a window approximately 15 to 20 feet above the ground.

Djapa sustained spinal fractures, broken ribs, and a concussion, resulting in permanent brain damage and paralysis from the chest down. He later sued Riverdale Towne Apartments, the property owner, alleging unsafe conditions and inadequate fire protection. After deliberating for roughly 30 minutes, the jury awarded $71.39 million, including damages for lost earning capacity, noneconomic harm, and extensive future medical care. The verdict—believed by plaintiff’s counsel to be the largest personal injury award in Prince George’s County history—reflects the lifelong care Djapa will require following the incident.

New York: $8M Verdict Against City of Yonkers in Municipal Truck Collision

Represented by: Napoli Shkolnik PLLC

A Westchester County jury awarded $8 million against the City of Yonkers following a collision between a municipal truck and a driver who was parked on Ashburton Avenue. The plaintiff alleged that a city-owned vehicle turned onto the roadway and struck his car, causing injuries that significantly affected his daily functioning and ability to participate in community activities. The case proceeded as a negligence action against the city, with the plaintiff asserting that the crash was preventable and caused by a city employee acting within the scope of employment.

At trial, the plaintiff described injuries to his neck, left shoulder, lower back, and left knee, emphasizing lasting pain, physical limitations, and the need for ongoing treatment. The jury awarded $2 million for past pain and suffering, $4.5 million for future pain and suffering, and $1.5 million for future medical expenses. The verdict, which far exceeded the city’s $35,000 pretrial offer, highlights the potential exposure municipalities face when jurors credit claims of long-term impairment and future care needs arising from vehicle operations.

Conclusion

These 2026 personal injury settlements and verdicts underscore the significant financial and legal consequences companies face when safety measures fail. From workplace hazards to consumer injuries, courts continue to hold corporations accountable for negligence that results in harm. The substantial awards reflect the long-term impact of these incidents on victims' lives, reinforcing the importance of corporate responsibility and risk management. As appeals and insurance disputes unfold, these cases highlight the ongoing complexities of personal injury litigation and the evolving landscape of liability in industries ranging from hospitality to construction.

For insight into last year's most significant personal injury cases, see our Top Personal Injury Payouts of 2025.