Total medical expenses or direct economic loss
How long you were affected (treatment, recovery, impact)
Estimated Settlement Range
Important Disclaimer
This calculator uses the multiplier method commonly applied in California personal injury cases. Actual settlement values vary widely based on jurisdiction, judge, jury pool, insurance policy limits, defendant's assets, and many other factors. This is an educational estimate, not a guarantee. Consult with an attorney for case-specific advice.
Step 1: Calculate Special Damages
Add up all your economic (special) damages: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses. This is your baseline.
Step 2: Apply the Pain & Suffering Multiplier
Multiply your special damages by a factor of 1.5x to 5x depending on severity. Minor injuries: 1.5x. Moderate: 2x-3x. Severe: 3x-4x. Catastrophic (permanent disability, disfigurement): 4x-5x.
Step 3: Adjust for Liability
If liability is clear, you get full value. Shared fault reduces your recovery by roughly 25%. Disputed liability can reduce it by 50% or more due to the risk of losing at trial.
Step 4: Deduct Attorney Fees
Most personal injury attorneys work on a 33% contingency fee. After deducting the fee, the remainder is your estimated take-home amount.
How accurate is this estimate?
The multiplier method provides a reasonable ballpark for negotiation purposes. Real settlements depend on many additional factors including insurance policy limits, strength of evidence, jurisdiction, and the skill of your attorney. Use this as a starting point, not a final number.
What if my case goes to trial?
Trial verdicts can be significantly higher or lower than settlement estimates. Juries are unpredictable. Going to trial also increases attorney fees (typically from 33% to 40%) and adds litigation costs of $10,000-$50,000+. Most cases (90-95%) settle before trial.
Do I need an attorney for my case?
For claims under $10,000 with clear liability, you may be able to handle negotiations yourself or use small claims court. For anything involving significant injuries, disputed liability, or complex legal issues, an experienced attorney typically recovers 3-4x more than self-represented plaintiffs, even after their fee.