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How to Use the Settlement Calculator
This settlement calculator helps you estimate your net settlement amount after attorney fees and taxes. It's designed to give you a realistic estimate of what you might receive from your legal settlement.
Important: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual settlement amounts may vary significantly based on the specific facts of your case, court jurisdiction, and other factors. Always consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose the type of legal case that best describes your situation:
- Discrimination: Workplace or employment discrimination cases
- Dog bite: Injuries from animal attacks
- Personal injury: General personal injury cases (accidents, etc.)
- Auto accident settlement: Car accident cases
- Workers comp settlement: Workplace injury claims
- Motorcycle accident settlement: Motorcycle accident cases
- Whistleblower or Retaliation: Employment retaliation or whistleblower cases
- Medical Malpractice: Medical professional negligence cases
- Slip and fall: Premises liability and slip/fall accidents
- Wrongful Death: Death resulting from negligence or intentional harm
- Premises Liability: Injuries on someone else's property
- Truck Accident: Commercial truck accident cases
- Hit and Run: Hit and run accident cases
- Commercial Vehicle Accident: Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Other: Cases that don't fit the above categories
Tip: If you're unsure which category applies to your case, select “Other” or choose the most similar option.
Choose the state where you reside. This affects your state tax calculations.
Note: Different states have different tax rates, which will affect your final settlement amount.
Enter the estimated total gross settlement amount in dollars.
Example: If you expect to receive $100,000 before any deductions, enter “100000”
Use the slider to set your attorney's contingent fee percentage. Common ranges:
- 25-33%: Most personal injury cases.
- 33-40%: More complex cases or cases requiring trial.
- 40% or higher: Very complex cases or cases with significant trial preparation.
- Filed: Lawsuit has been filed in court.
- Not filed: Case has not yet been filed.
- Settlement reached: Settlement has been reached but not finalized.
- Gross Settlement Amount: Your total settlement before deductions.
- State Tax Estimate: Estimated state income taxes.
- Attorney Fees: Amount paid to your attorney.
- Net Settlement Amount: Your final amount after all deductions.
- Federal Tax Estimate: Estimated federal income taxes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tax Treatment by Case Type
Tax-Free Cases (Generally)
Personal injury (physical injuries)
Auto accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Truck accidents
Slip and fall
Premises liability
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death
Dog bite (if physical injury)
Taxable Cases (Generally)
Discrimination
Whistleblower/retaliation
Employment-related cases
Settlement amounts that include punitive damages
Important Tax Notes:
- Most physical injury settlements are tax-free under federal law
- Employment-related cases are typically taxable as ordinary income
- Attorney fees may be deductible for some case types
- State tax rules vary by jurisdiction
| Tax Rate | Income Range (Single) | Income Range (Married Filing Jointly) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,000 | $0 - $22,000 |
| 12% | $11,001 - $44,725 | $22,001 - $89,450 |
| 22% | $44,726 - $95,375 | $89,451 - $190,750 |
| 24% | $95,376 - $182,100 | $190,751 - $364,200 |
| 32% | $182,101 - $231,250 | $364,201 - $462,500 |
| 35% | $231,251 - $578,125 | $462,501 - $693,750 |
| 37% | $578,126+ | $693,751+ |
Federal Tax Rates Used
The calculator uses current federal tax brackets for 2024:
State Tax Information
State tax rates vary significantly:
No income tax
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming
High-tax states
California (up to 13.3%), New York (up to 10.9%)
Moderate-tax states
Most states fall between 3% and 8% tax rates
Common Questions
Is this calculator accurate?
This calculator provides estimates based on standard tax calculations and common fee structures. Actual results may vary based on your specific case, jurisdiction, and individual circumstances.
When should I use this calculator?
Use it early in your case to get a rough idea of potential settlement amounts, or to prepare for settlement negotiations. Always verify estimates with your attorney.
What if my case isn't listed?
Select “Other” or choose the most similar case type. The tax treatment may be similar to the selected type.
Can I trust the tax calculations?
The calculator uses standard tax rates, but tax laws are complex. Consult a tax professional or your attorney for specific tax advice.
What about structured settlements?
This calculator assumes lump-sum settlements. Structured settlements (payments over time) have different tax implications and aren't calculated here.
What if I have existing attorney fee agreements?
Use your actual fee percentage if you've already negotiated with your attorney. The slider shows typical ranges.
Important Disclaimers
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Settlement calculations are complex and depend on many factors specific to your case. Always consult with a qualified attorney familiar with your jurisdiction and case type.
Tax Disclaimer
Tax calculations are based on current federal and state tax rates and may not account for all tax implications of your settlement. Tax laws change and vary by jurisdiction. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Accuracy Disclaimer
The estimates provided by this calculator are approximations. Actual settlement amounts, tax obligations, and attorney fees may differ significantly from these estimates due to case-specific factors, negotiations, court decisions, and other variables.
No Attorney-Client Relationship
Using this calculator does not create an attorney-client relationship with any law firm or attorney. This tool is provided for educational and informational purposes only.
Tips for Better Estimates
Be realistic with settlement amounts
Research similar cases in your jurisdiction
Know your fee structure
Confirm your attorney's actual fee percentage
Consider all damages
Include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Factor in complexities
Complex cases may have different fee structures
Account for timing
Settlement timing can affect tax consequences
When to Contact an Attorney
Contact an attorney if:
- You need specific legal advice about your case
- You want to negotiate a settlement
- You need help understanding tax implications
- Your case involves multiple jurisdictions
- You have questions about fee arrangements
- You need guidance on settlement strategy
Remember: This calculator is a starting point. Every case is unique, and professional legal and tax advice is essential for making informed decisions about your settlement.
Quick Start
Select your case type
Choose your state
Enter amount
Set fee %
Status
Results
FAQ
How accurate is this calculator?
It provides estimates based on current tax laws and standard fee structures. Always consult your attorney for case-specific advice.
What if my case type isn't listed?
Select “Other” or choose the most similar option. Most case types have similar tax treatment.
Are personal injury settlements taxable?
Generally, no – physical injury settlements are tax-free under federal law. Employment cases are usually taxable.
What percentage do attorneys typically charge?
Most charge 33-40% for contingency cases. Complex cases may charge more.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming.
Can I use this for structured settlements?
No – this calculator is for lump-sum settlements only. Structured settlements have different tax rules.
What if I disagree with the tax calculations?
Tax laws are complex. Consult a tax professional for specific advice about your situation.
Does this create an attorney-client relationship?
No – this is an informational tool only. Consult your own attorney for legal advice.
- Case Type Quick Reference
| Case Type | Tax Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | ✔ Tax-free | Physical injury required |
| Auto/Motorcycle Accident | ✔ Tax-free | Physical injury required |
| Medical Malpractice | ✔ Tax-free | Physical injury required |
| Slip & Fall | ✔ Tax-free | Physical injury required |
| Wrongful Death | ✔ Tax-free | Damages portion tax-free |
| Discrimination | ✘ Taxable | Employment cases taxable |
| Whistleblower | ✘ Taxable | Employment cases taxable |
| Workers Comp | ✔ Tax-free | Generally tax-free |
- ⚠️ Important Reminders
- Estimates Only: Real results may vary significantly
- Consult Professionals:: Get advice from attorneys and tax professionals
- Case Specific: Every case has unique factors
- No Legal Advice: This tool doesn't replace professional legal counsel
