A practical PI settlement calculator (range, not a single number)
In most PI matters, the right output is a range you can defend, not a single "exact" figure. Start with economic damages, then pressure-test non-economic assumptions against venue, liability, and injury severity.
Step 1: Compute economic damages
- Past medical specials (billed and paid if you track both) + future care estimate.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity (document assumptions).
- Other out-of-pocket expenses that are clean and provable.
Step 2: Choose a defensible pain and suffering band
Many calculators use a multiplier. That can be a helpful starting point, but you should treat it as an assumption to validate. Build three scenarios (low, mid, high) and write down what would have to be true for each.
Example scenario framing
Low
Clean liability issues, limited treatment, conservative venue.
Mid
Clearer liability, moderate treatment, average venue.
High
Strong liability, significant injury, plaintiff-friendly venue.
Step 3: Validate against comparable outcomes and venue signals
The fastest way to catch over-optimism is to compare your scenario range to outcomes with similar fact patterns in the same jurisdiction. If your range is far outside what comparable verdicts show, revisit your assumptions.
Step 4: Add guardrails (policy limits and collectability)
Many calculator results fail because they ignore the ceiling. If policy limits are unknown, treat that as a key uncertainty driver and reflect it in your low/mid/high outcomes.
Decision-grade upgrade: run Harlan
Harlan applies a 20-module evaluation that includes comparable verdict matching, venue and judge signals, and an uncertainty-aware range. Use it to validate your initial calculator range before you commit to a demand or take a case.
FAQ
Is a PI settlement calculator accurate?
Most calculators are only as good as their assumptions. Use them to build an initial range, then validate using jurisdiction and comparable outcome data.
Should I use a multiplier?
A multiplier can be a starting point, but you should pressure-test it against injury severity, treatment intensity, and venue tendencies.
What inputs matter most?
Liability strength, treatment duration, objective findings, venue, and available coverage often drive outcomes more than any single line item.