Most calculators ask for age, income, and dependents. Those inputs matter, but they don’t capture the details that often decide whether a claim gains traction in Illinois:
- Comparative fault questions that come up when multiple parties had roles in a collision or workplace incident.
- Causation disputes, such as whether a pre-existing condition contributed to the death after an injury.
- Documentation gaps after the initial shock—missing photos, incomplete witness details, or delays in obtaining medical records.
- Insurance and policy limits that can shape negotiation leverage even when liability seems clear.
In other words: a calculator can suggest categories. Your evidence determines what’s actually recoverable.


