Personal Injury Settlement Calculator
Get a rough estimate of your personal injury settlement range based on damages and injury severity.
Injury Details
Estimated Settlement Range
$29,600 — $84,000
Net After Attorney & Fault
$19,832 — $56,280
Multiplier Range
1.5x — 3x
Breakdown
Tips
- Insurance companies typically start with a low offer. Your first demand should be higher than what you'll accept.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation of lost income.
- Do not sign any release or accept a settlement without understanding your full damages.
Legal Disclaimer
This tool provides rough estimates for educational purposes only. It is NOT legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a personal injury attorney for a proper case evaluation.
How Personal Injury Settlements Are Calculated
Insurance companies and attorneys commonly use two methods to estimate pain and suffering damages. The "multiplier method" multiplies total economic damages (medical bills + lost wages) by 1.5x to 5x depending on severity. The "per diem method" assigns a daily dollar amount for each day of pain/recovery.
Multiplier Ranges by Injury Type
| Injury Severity | Multiplier | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | 1.5-2x | Soft tissue, minor whiplash, bruising |
| Moderate | 2-3x | Fractures, herniated disc, concussion |
| Severe | 3-5x | TBI, spinal injury, multiple fractures |
| Catastrophic | 5-10x+ | Amputation, permanent disability, paralysis |
Comparative Fault
If you're partially at fault, your settlement is reduced by your percentage of fault. In "pure comparative fault" states (CA, NY, FL), you can recover even at 99% fault. In "modified comparative fault" states (most others), you're barred from recovery if you're 50% or 51% at fault. A few states (AL, MD, VA, DC, NC) use "contributory negligence" — any fault on your part bars all recovery.
ABA — Personal Injury Information→Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney?
For minor injuries with clear liability and low medical bills ($2,000-$5,000), you may handle the claim yourself. For anything involving significant injuries, disputed liability, or insurance company pushback, an attorney typically recovers 2-3x more — even after their 33% contingency fee.
How long do personal injury cases take?
Simple cases settle in 3-6 months after maximum medical improvement (MMI). Complex cases may take 1-3 years, especially if a lawsuit is filed. Don't settle before reaching MMI — you need to know your total medical costs before agreeing to a number.
Related: Small Claims Court Guide and Emergency Fund Calculator.