Many online tools use generic inputs (age, income, dependents) to generate a broad range. In Gretna and the greater New Orleans area, settlement value can swing based on factors those calculators can’t see, such as:
- How fault is argued after an accident (including comparative fault issues common in traffic cases)
- Whether medical records match the claimed timeline from injury to death
- What insurance coverage is actually available (limits vary widely by policy)
- How evidence was preserved—photos, dashcam/video, witness statements, and incident reports
A “number” from a calculator may look reassuring, but it can also encourage families to accept an offer that doesn’t line up with Louisiana’s damages categories or the proof available in their specific case.


