function calculateSettlement() {
var med = parseFloat(document.getElementById('medicalExpenses').value) || 0;
var wages = parseFloat(document.getElementById('lostWages').value) || 0;
var future = parseFloat(document.getElementById('futureCosts').value) || 0;
var mult = parseFloat(document.getElementById('multiplier').value) || 1.5;
var fault = parseFloat(document.getElementById('faultPercent').value) || 0;
var feePercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('attorneyFee').value) || 0;
var legalExp = parseFloat(document.getElementById('legalExpenses').value) || 0;
// 1. Economic Damages
var economicDamages = med + wages + future;
// 2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
var nonEconomicDamages = economicDamages * mult;
// 3. Raw Total
var rawTotal = economicDamages + nonEconomicDamages;
// 4. Adjust for Comparative Negligence
var faultReduction = rawTotal * (fault / 100);
var adjustedGross = rawTotal – faultReduction;
// 5. Deduct Attorney Fees
var feeDeduction = (adjustedGross * (feePercent / 100));
var totalDeductions = feeDeduction + legalExp;
// 6. Final Net
var netPayout = adjustedGross – totalDeductions;
// Display results
document.getElementById('resEconomic').innerText = '$' + economicDamages.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resNonEconomic').innerText = '$' + nonEconomicDamages.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resFault').innerText = '-$' + faultReduction.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resGross').innerText = '$' + adjustedGross.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resFees').innerText = '-$' + totalDeductions.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resNet').innerText = '$' + (netPayout < 0 ? 0 : netPayout).toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resultArea').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding Your Settlement Calculation
Calculating a legal settlement is more complex than simply adding up medical bills. Insurance adjusters and attorneys use specific frameworks to determine what a "fair" value looks like for personal injury or civil claims.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
The foundation of any settlement estimate starts with Economic Damages (also known as Special Damages). These are tangible, verifiable costs like hospital bills, prescription costs, and the wages you lost because you couldn't work.
Non-Economic Damages (General Damages) cover "Pain and Suffering." Since you cannot put a price tag on physical pain or emotional distress, the legal industry often uses the Multiplier Method. This involves multiplying your economic damages by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of the injury.
The Impact of Comparative Negligence
In many jurisdictions, the "Comparative Fault" rule applies. If a court or insurance company determines you were partially responsible for the accident, your total settlement is reduced by that percentage. For example, if your case is worth $100,000 but you are 20% at fault, your gross recovery drops to $80,000.
The Net Payout: What You Actually Keep
The amount you receive in your bank account is the "Net Payout." Before you get paid, several items are deducted from the gross settlement:
Attorney Contingency Fees: Usually 33.3% if settled early, or up to 40% if the case goes to trial.
Legal Costs: These include court filing fees, charges for medical records, and expert witness fees.
Medical Liens: In many cases, if your insurance paid for your initial care, they may require reimbursement from your settlement.
Net to Client: ~$24,120 (minus specific legal expenses)
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the specifics of your claim.