Estimate the potential value of a wrongful death claim. This calculator considers the deceased's age, earnings, dependents, circumstances of death, and applicable state laws to provide a general estimate.
Economic and non-economic damages analysis
We understand this is an extremely painful time. This calculator is designed to provide helpful information — not to trivialize your loss. We encourage you to consult with a wrongful death attorney for personalized guidance.
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for their financial and emotional losses. According to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
| Cause of Death | Average Settlement | High-End Range |
|---|---|---|
| Auto accident | $500K – $2M | $5M+ |
| Medical malpractice | $1M – $3M | $10M+ |
| Truck/commercial vehicle | $1M – $5M | $20M+ |
| Workplace accident | $700K – $3M | $10M+ |
| Defective product | $1M – $5M | $50M+ (class action) |
Settlement values depend on dozens of variables — these are the eight that move the dial the most in real-world negotiations:
These general issues can reduce settlement value and should be discussed with a licensed attorney when a claim is significant:
Consider consulting a licensed attorney before negotiating or signing a release if any of the following apply:
Many personal injury attorneys offer consultations and may work on a contingency-fee basis, but fee terms vary and should be reviewed carefully before signing an agreement.
Average settlements vary by injury severity, jurisdiction, and insurance policy limits. Minor injuries typically settle for $3,000–$25,000; moderate injuries for $25,000–$100,000; serious or permanent injuries can exceed $1,000,000. Insurance Information Institute reports a median bodily-injury claim payout of approximately $20,000–$25,000.
Most insurers use the multiplier method (medical bills × 1.5–5) or per diem method ($100–$500 daily rate × days of recovery). Multipliers rise with permanent impairment, visible scarring, surgery, and inability to perform daily activities.
For minor claims with clear liability, some people negotiate directly. For any claim involving permanent injury, disputed liability, commercial defendants, liens, or filing deadlines, consult a licensed attorney before deciding how to proceed.
Simple, clear-liability cases settle in 30–90 days after treatment ends. Cases requiring litigation average 12–24 months. Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases can take 2–4 years.
Compensation for physical injuries is generally tax-free under IRC §104(a)(2). Punitive damages, interest, and emotional-distress-only awards are typically taxable. See IRS Publication 4345 and consult a tax professional.
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage steps in. Many states require carriers to offer UM coverage equal to liability limits unless waived in writing.