In practice, settlement amounts aren’t pulled from a single formula. They’re shaped by:
- Liability evidence (police findings, witness accounts, dashcam/video when available, and the physical facts of the incident)
- Causation (medical records showing how the injury led to death)
- Damages proof (funeral expenses, financial support, and losses Pennsylvania recognizes)
- Comparative fault risk (if the defense argues the decedent or another party contributed)
- Insurance coverage and policy limits available locally through the responsible parties’ carriers
A calculator may give a number—your case needs a narrative that can survive scrutiny.


