California Wrongful Death Settlement Calculator
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Losing a loved one is an indescribably painful experience, especially when their death resulted from someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions.
This settlement calculator is designed to support you during this difficult time, offering a compassionate tool to help you understand your potential legal options and pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves. Estimates can happen in 90 seconds or less.
*Please note, the figures presented in this calculator are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
Example California Wrongful Death Settlement
Note: This is a fictitious scenario intended to illustrate potential wrongful death settlement calculations. Actual settlements vary based on specific circumstances.
Maria, a 35-year-old elementary school teacher and mother of two, was driving home from work on Interstate 880 in Oakland. A delivery truck owned by QuickShip Logistics, driven by an employee who had been working for 14 consecutive hours, suddenly swerved into her lane. Despite Maria’s attempts to avoid collision, the truck struck her vehicle, causing a fatal multi-vehicle accident.
Deceased Victim Profile
- Name: Maria
- Age: 35
- Occupation: Elementary School Teacher
- Annual Salary: $68,000
- Survived by: Husband Carlos (38) and two children, Sofia (8) and Diego (5)
Economic Damages
- Lost Future Earnings
- Projected lifetime earnings: $2,040,000
- Present value calculation: $1,620,000
- Loss of Benefits
- Retirement contributions: $310,000
- Health insurance value: $225,000
- Funeral and Burial Expenses
- Funeral costs: $12,500
- Burial expenses: $8,000
- Medical Expenses Prior to Death
- Emergency medical treatment: $45,000
- Ambulance and hospital care: $35,000
Non-Economic Damages
- Emotional Distress
- Pain and suffering for family: $750,000
- Loss of companionship: $600,000
- Loss of guidance and mentorship: $425,000
- Children’s Psychological Trauma
- Counseling and therapy: $85,000
- Emotional suffering: $250,000
Punitive Damages
Due to evidence of systematic overtime violations and driver fatigue at QuickShip Logistics:
- Punitive damages: $500,000
Total Settlement Breakdown
- Economic Damages: $2,255,500
- Non-Economic Damages: $2,110,000
- Punitive Damages: $500,000
Total Settlement: $4,865,500
Legal Considerations
- Jurisdiction: Alameda County, California
- Comparative Negligence: Minimal (truck driver found 92% at fault)
- Settlement negotiated through Rodriguez family’s attorney
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