Wrongful Death Settlement Calculator

Economic damages are annual income loss multiplied by years of loss. That total is added to the non-economic damages amount you enter to form a gross estimate. The adjusted estimate reduces the gross number by your stated fault percentage. There is no separate present-value discount table, tax adjustment, or beneficiary split in the formula — only those arithmetic steps.

Funeral expenses, medical bills before death, household-services valuations, punitive damages, interest, attorney contingency fees, and costs of suit are outside the model. Insurance policy limits and insolvency of defendants are also ignored. A net recovery after fees and liens can be far lower than the adjusted estimate on screen.

In this tool, yes in a simplified way: the adjusted estimate multiplies the gross figure by (1 − fault%). That mirrors a comparative-fault reduction for planning. Real statutes differ — some states use modified comparative fault with thresholds, and a few still apply harsh contributory rules in related contexts. This calculator does not re-implement every fault doctrine; it only applies the percentage you type.

Many jurisdictions limit or shape non-economic recovery in wrongful death or medical-malpractice contexts, but the rules are highly specific. This calculator does not apply any internal per-state cap — it uses the non-economic amount you enter. Confirm the exact cap (if any) that applies to your claim type with a licensed attorney or primary statute.

Eligibility is defined by each state's wrongful death statute — typically spouses, children, parents, or estates in defined orders of priority. This calculator does not check whether you are a proper plaintiff or how proceeds must be distributed among beneficiaries. Confirm standing and distribution rules with counsel in the state where the claim must be filed.

No. Juries, mediators, and insurers weigh liability strength, venue, sympathy factors, and coverage limits that are not in these inputs. Treat the output as an educational worksheet for discussing assumptions with an attorney — not as the "value of the case."

No. TheLegalCalc is not a law firm and does not represent families or estates. Wrongful death deadlines (statutes of limitation and repose) are strict and state-specific. Consult a licensed attorney promptly if you are considering a claim.