Automated tools typically rely on broad assumptions—like a generic relationship between earnings and damages or an average outcome for similar claims. In Susanville, however, the facts that change the value are often very specific, such as:
- Weather and road conditions (ice, snow, visibility, maintenance timing)
- Timing and documentation from early incident reports
- Worksite safety practices and whether protocols were followed
- Causation questions when injuries worsen after the initial event
A calculator can’t review the reports, photographs, medical timeline, or witness statements that determine whether a jury is likely to find that someone else’s conduct caused the death.


