Wrongful Death Settlement Calculator
Estimate wrongful death claim value based on the deceased's income, age, dependents, and circumstances.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Wrongful death settlements compensate surviving family members for economic losses (lost income, funeral costs) and non-economic losses (companionship, consortium). Lost earnings are calculated as a present value using the deceased's income, expected work years, and a discount rate.
The Formula
Total = PV(Annual Income x 0.70 x Work Years) + Funeral + Medical + Companionship
Variables
- Annual Income — Deceased's gross earnings at time of death
- 0.70 — 70% of income benefiting family (30% personal consumption deducted)
- Work Years — Retirement age minus age at death
- Companionship — Non-economic damages for loss of relationship ($100K per dependent estimate)
Example
A 40-year-old earning $65,000/year with 2 dependents: 27 work years, $45,500/year benefit, PV at 3% = ~$842,000 lost earnings, plus $42,000 funeral/medical, plus $200,000 companionship = ~$1,084,000 total.
Tips
- Wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the estate.
- Damages vary enormously by state -- some states cap non-economic damages.
- Economic experts typically testify about projected lifetime earnings.
- Consider the deceased's potential for raises, promotions, and benefits.
- Claims typically have a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of death.