Understand the formulas behind the estimates — and how to maximize your settlement.
The Two Methods
1. Multiplier Method
The most common approach used by insurance adjusters and attorneys. Your economic damages (medical bills + lost wages) are multiplied by a factor (typically 1.5× to 5×) based on injury severity, permanence, and impact on daily life.
Our calculator uses injury-specific multiplier ranges and constrains them based on your state's typical settlement data.
2. Per Diem Method
Assigns a dollar value to each day you experience pain. A common approach is to use your daily wage as the daily rate, then multiply by the number of days you suffered.
Formula: Daily Rate × Recovery Days = Pain & Suffering
State Law Factors
Every state has different rules that affect your settlement:
Damage caps: Some states cap non-economic damages (pain & suffering). Our calculator applies these automatically.
Statute of limitations: The deadline to file a lawsuit — missing it bars your claim entirely.
Comparative negligence: If you were partially at fault, your award may be reduced proportionally.
Attorney Fees
Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee — 33% of the settlement (higher if a lawsuit is filed). Our calculator shows estimated net recovery after fees.
What the Calculator Does Not Include
Property damage (calculated separately)
Future medical expenses (estimate these and add to "medical bills")
Emotional distress beyond physical pain (some states allow separate claims)
Punitive damages (rare, reserved for egregious conduct)
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