Most personal injury settlements are calculated by adding your economic damages — medical bills, lost wages, and property damage — to an amount for pain and suffering, then reducing the total by your percentage of fault.
The basic formula
- Economic damages: add up all medical treatment, future care, lost income, and property damage.
- Pain and suffering: often estimated as a multiplier (typically 1.5×–5×) of your medical bills, based on injury severity.
- Comparative fault: if you were partly at fault, your recovery is reduced by that percentage.
You can get a quick estimate with our free Personal Injury Settlement Estimator.
What increases a settlement
- Serious, permanent, or disabling injuries
- Clear liability and strong evidence (photos, police reports, witnesses)
- Available insurance coverage
Should you hire a lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win — and studies consistently show represented claimants recover more. Find a personal injury lawyer near you for a free case review.
Video: A Closer Look
Third-party video for general background. It is not legal advice or an endorsement.
Talk to a Personal Injury attorney near you
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For help with your specific situation, connect with a licensed attorney — many offer a free first consultation.
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