Most settlement estimate tools are built from generalized assumptions. They may use inputs like the amount of medical bills, the severity of injury, and whether damages are “economic” or “non-economic.” That can be helpful for understanding categories—but it doesn’t replace the case-specific analysis required in California.
In practice, insurers evaluate whether:
- the provider deviated from the California standard of care,
- that deviation caused the specific harm (not just that it happened around the same time), and
- the harm is supported by records, timelines, and expert review.
A calculator usually can’t reliably assess those elements—so treat any range you see as educational, not predictive.


