Methodology

Personal Injury Settlement Estimator

Uses the multiplier method: total economic damages (medical bills + lost wages) multiplied by a factor that reflects injury severity. Minor injuries use a 1.5–2.5× range; moderate 2.5–4×; severe 4–7×; catastrophic 7–10×. Comparative fault reduces the final range proportionally. This is one of several methods attorneys use; it does not account for liability disputes, insurance limits, or jurisdiction-specific caps.

Workers' Compensation Settlement Estimator

Uses the scheduled-loss (PPD) method: each body part is assigned a maximum number of weeks of compensation; the impairment rating percentage is applied to that schedule. The weekly compensation rate is two-thirds of the average weekly wage. The low/high range reflects typical lump-sum discount factors (70–100%). State-specific caps and definitions vary significantly.

Debt Relief: Means Test

Applies the official Chapter 7 means test formula using IRS National and Local Standards for allowable expenses and current state median income figures (updated annually from Census/DOJ data). Passing does not guarantee eligibility; the full test requires attorney review of all income and expense categories.

Debt Relief: DTI & Credit Recovery

Calculates debt-to-income ratio as monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income. The credit recovery timeline uses heuristic ranges derived from CFPB and credit bureau guidance on how long negative events typically affect scores.

Debt Relief: Comparison Tool

Compares Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and debt settlement using simplified models. Total cost and time estimates assume average attorney fees and settlement rates; actual outcomes vary by jurisdiction and negotiation.

Statute of Limitations Checker

Uses state-specific SOL periods for credit card, medical, auto loan, and personal loan debt from legal databases and state statutes. The last-payment date determines the SOL clock start in most states; some states use different triggers. This is a general guide — consult an attorney before relying on SOL as a defense.

Child Support Estimator

Uses a simplified percentage-of-income model: 1 child = 17%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 29%, 4 = 31%, 5 = 34%, 6+ = 36% of the paying parent's gross income. Overnight adjustments reduce the obligation proportionally. Actual child support is determined by state-specific guidelines (income-shares or percentage models vary by state) and court discretion.

Settlement Tools (Structured Settlement, Annuity Solver, Lawsuit Loan)

Present-value calculations use standard time-value-of-money formulas. The lawsuit loan estimator uses typical pre-settlement funding rates (1.5–3.5% per month compounded). These are illustrative estimates; actual offers depend on lender underwriting and case assessment.

Data sources

• IRS National and Local Standards (updated annually)
• U.S. Census Bureau — state median income
• State workers' comp schedules (publicly available)
• CFPB consumer credit guides
• State statute databases