Settlement Offer Estimator
Use this calculator to get an estimated value for a potential personal injury settlement. Please note that this is an estimation tool and not legal advice. Actual settlement amounts can vary significantly based on many factors, including jurisdiction, specific case details, and negotiation.
Typically 1.0 for minor injuries, up to 5.0 or more for severe, long-lasting injuries.
If you are partially responsible for the incident, your damages may be reduced.
Standard contingency fees often range from 25% to 40%.
The maximum amount the at-fault party's insurance will pay.
Estimated Settlement Breakdown:
Enter your details and click "Calculate" to see your estimated settlement.
Understanding Your Personal Injury Settlement Offer
When you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, understanding the potential value of your claim is crucial. A settlement offer calculator can provide a preliminary estimate, helping you gauge what a fair resolution might look like. This tool breaks down the common components that contribute to a personal injury settlement.
What Goes Into a Settlement?
Personal injury settlements typically comprise two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
1. Economic Damages (Special Damages)
These are quantifiable financial losses that can be proven with receipts, bills, and wage statements. Our calculator includes:
- Past Medical Bills: Costs for emergency room visits, doctor appointments, surgeries, medications, and therapy already incurred.
- Estimated Future Medical Bills: Projections for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care based on medical expert opinions.
- Past Lost Wages: Income you've already lost due to being unable to work because of your injuries.
- Estimated Future Lost Wages (Loss of Earning Capacity): Potential income you may lose in the future if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at full capacity.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Costs like transportation to medical appointments, assistive devices, home modifications, or property damage (though property damage is sometimes handled separately).
2. Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)
These are subjective, non-monetary losses that are harder to quantify but significantly impact your quality of life. They are often calculated using a "multiplier" method based on your economic damages. Our calculator uses a Pain & Suffering Multiplier, which can range from 1.0 for minor injuries to 5.0 or more for severe, life-altering injuries. Factors influencing this multiplier include:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries.
- The amount of pain and discomfort experienced.
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in hobbies or daily activities).
- Disfigurement or scarring.
Factors That Can Affect Your Settlement
Beyond the direct damages, several other elements can significantly influence the final settlement amount:
- Your Share of Fault (Comparative Negligence): Many states follow comparative negligence laws. If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your total damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 but you are 20% at fault, your recoverable damages would be $80,000.
- Attorney Fees: Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Their fees are a percentage of the final settlement or award, typically ranging from 25% to 40%.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party's insurance policy will have a maximum payout limit. Even if your damages exceed this limit, the insurance company will generally not pay more than their policy maximum. In some cases, you might pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party's personal assets or through your own underinsured motorist coverage.
- Strength of Evidence: The clearer the evidence of liability and damages (police reports, witness statements, medical records, expert testimony), the stronger your case and potentially higher your settlement.
- Jurisdiction: Laws and jury tendencies vary by state and even county, which can impact settlement values.
How the Calculator Works (Example)
Let's say you have $10,000 in economic damages (medical bills, lost wages). If your pain and suffering multiplier is 2.5, your non-economic damages would be $25,000. Your gross damages would be $35,000. If you were 10% at fault, this would reduce to $31,500. After a 33.3% attorney fee, your net settlement would be approximately $21,000 (before other costs like liens or case expenses).
Important Disclaimer
This settlement offer estimator is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every personal injury case is unique, and the actual value of your claim can only be determined by a qualified personal injury attorney after a thorough review of all facts and evidence. We strongly recommend consulting with an experienced lawyer to discuss your specific situation and understand your legal options.