Settlements typically include economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) plus non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Pain and suffering is calculated by multiplying medical expenses by a factor of 1–5.
Personal Injury Settlement Calculator
State guidelines research · April 2026 · Editorial standards
Reviewed by TheLegalCalc Editorial TeamLegal disclaimer
Estimate the value of your personal injury claim including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
1 = Minor injury | 3 = Moderate | 5 = Severe or permanent
Comparative fault reduces your total recovery
How this Personal Injury calculator works
Personal injury settlements are calculated by combining economic damages (past and future medical expenses and lost wages) with non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Pain and suffering is estimat...
Personal Injury laws across the U.S.: what you need to know
Federal baseline rules often apply nationwide, but state statutes, court rules, and agency practice can change amounts, deadlines, and remedies. Choose your state in the calculator to read jurisdiction-specific context. Always confirm current law with a licensed attorney in your state.
Frequently asked questions
A number between 1 and 5 applied to your medical expenses to estimate non-economic damages. Minor injuries use 1–1.5; moderate injuries 2–3; severe or permanent injuries 4–5.
Economic damages are calculable financial losses (medical bills, lost wages). Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In most states, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 30% at fault on a $100,000 claim, you recover $70,000.
A stricter rule in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia - if you are even 1% at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages.
Statutes of limitations vary by state, typically 2–3 years from the date of injury. Missing this deadline bars your claim permanently.
For significant injuries, yes. Attorneys typically work on contingency (33% of recovery) and studies show represented claimants receive substantially higher settlements on average.
Minor cases may settle in 3–6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take 1–3 years or longer.
Legal Sources & References
- Restatement (Second) of Torts — Compensatory damages principles
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — California limitations periods (issue spotting)
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 — Texas limitations periods (issue spotting)
- Fla. Stat. § 768.81 — Florida comparative fault
- American Bar Association — Personal injury consumer resources
Citations are for research and verification. Statutes, thresholds, and agency guidance change; confirm the current text with official sources or a licensed attorney in your state.
Official Government & Bar Resources
Legal disclaimer
This calculator provides general U.S. planning estimates for informational purposes only. Select your state for jurisdiction-specific limitations. Results do not constitute legal advice.
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