Question 1

What is a settlement calculator?

Accepted Answer

A settlement calculator is a tool that estimates what a legal case might be worth by combining your economic losses (medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs) with an estimate of non-economic damages (pain and suffering) and then adjusting for the laws of your state. It produces a low-to-high range for planning purposes — not a promise of any specific outcome.

Question 2

How does this personal injury settlement calculator work?

Accepted Answer

You pick your case type and state, then answer a short set of questions about your injuries, treatment, lost income, and how the incident happened. The calculator applies your state's statute of limitations, damage caps, and negligence rule (comparative or contributory fault) to your answers and returns an estimated value range with the factors driving it. No account or contact information is required.

Question 3

Is the settlement calculator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The calculator is completely free, works for all 50 states plus D.C., and does not require you to create an account or share contact information to see your estimate.

Question 4

How accurate is a settlement estimate?

Accepted Answer

An online estimate is a starting point, not an appraisal. Real settlements depend on liability disputes, the strength of your evidence, insurance policy limits, the venue, and negotiation — none of which a calculator can fully see. Treat the range as a way to orient yourself before speaking with a licensed attorney who can evaluate the specific facts of your case.

Question 5

What types of cases can I estimate?

Accepted Answer

This site covers 16 case types, including motor vehicle (car) accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability (slip and fall), product liability, wrongful death, dog bites, wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, class actions, insurance bad faith, disability denial, professional malpractice, civil rights, intellectual property, workers' compensation, and lemon law.

Question 6

How is pain and suffering calculated in a settlement?

Accepted Answer

Pain and suffering is a non-economic damage with no fixed formula. Adjusters and attorneys commonly estimate it by applying a multiplier to your economic damages or a per-day figure over your recovery period, with the multiplier rising for more severe or permanent injuries. Any figure produced this way is an estimate — the actual amount is negotiated and can be limited by state damage caps.

Question 7

How long do I have to file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Every state sets a statute of limitations — a filing deadline that varies by case type, commonly two to three years from the date of the incident, though some claims are shorter and claims against government entities can require notice within months. Missing the deadline usually bars your claim permanently, so confirm your state's deadline with a licensed attorney promptly.

Question 8

Does my state's law affect my settlement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. Your state's negligence rule determines whether (and how much) your recovery is reduced if you were partly at fault, and many states cap non-economic or total damages for certain case types. The calculator applies these rules to your estimate. Select your state to see the specific rules that apply.

Question 9

Do I need a lawyer to use the calculator?

Accepted Answer

No — the calculator is designed for people gathering information on their own. It does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for a consultation. For an actual case evaluation, and before making any decision that affects your rights, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Settlement Calculator

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