Settlement Net-to-Client Calculator
Enter a settlement amount, attorney fee percentage, case costs, and lien payoffs to see the client's estimated net proceeds instantly — with a visual breakdown of how the settlement is allocated.
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Settlement breakdown
48.3% of gross settlement to client
For planning purposes only. Use confirmed figures from the signed settlement agreement and lienholder payoff letters for the actual disbursement sheet.
How the net-to-client calculation works
Start with gross settlement
The gross settlement is the total amount the defendant agreed to pay. All deductions are calculated from this figure. The client receives what remains after all lawful deductions — not from the gross amount.
Deduct attorney fee
The contingency fee is typically 33–40% of the gross settlement. Some fee agreements calculate it after case costs are deducted first — the toggle above reflects this. The specific percentage and deduction order must match the signed fee agreement.
Deduct costs, then liens
Case costs (filing fees, experts, records) and lien payoffs (medical providers, Medicare, Medicaid) are deducted from what remains. Every lien payoff must be based on the confirmed figure from the lienholder — not the billed amount. Negotiated reductions increase the client's net directly.
From calculator to actual disbursement
This calculator estimates the breakdown using the numbers you enter. The actual disbursement sheet requires confirmed figures: the signed settlement agreement for the gross amount, confirmed payoff letters from every lienholder, and the specific cost deductions from the case ledger.
In Disbo, the disbursement sheet is generated from confirmed data — not estimates — so the math on the sheet exactly matches the payments executed. See the disbursement sheet guide or download our free settlement statement template.
Also in this guide: Paying medical liens · Disbursement sheet · How firms disburse a settled case today · Disbursement timeline · Full guide hub →
Settlement calculation FAQ
Net settlement to client = Gross settlement amount − Attorney contingency fee − Case costs and expenses − Total lien payoffs. Each of these deductions must appear on the signed settlement disbursement sheet. The client receives whatever remains after all lawful deductions.
Contingency fees in PI cases typically range from 33% (one-third) to 40% of the gross settlement. The percentage may vary based on whether the case settled before trial, at trial, or on appeal, and some states cap contingency fees by statute. The fee agreement signed at intake governs the specific percentage for each case.
It depends on the fee agreement. Most contingency fee agreements specify whether case costs are deducted before or after the attorney fee is calculated. If deducted before: the attorney's fee is calculated on the net after costs. If deducted after: the attorney's fee is calculated on the gross settlement, and costs come off the remaining balance. This distinction materially affects the client's net proceeds and must be explicitly stated in the fee agreement.
This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. The exact disbursement amounts depend on the confirmed lien payoff figures from each lienholder, the specific cost deductions in the fee agreement, and any adjustments negotiated during the settlement process. Always use confirmed figures from the signed settlement agreement and lienholder payoff letters for the actual disbursement sheet.
If the sum of lien payoffs exceeds the amount available after attorney fees and costs, the case has a 'negative net' situation — the client would owe money to lienholders beyond what the settlement covers. In practice, this triggers lien negotiation: lienholders must reduce their claims to fit within the available proceeds. Attorneys have an ethical obligation to inform clients of this situation and assist in negotiating reductions.
Ready to disburse the real thing?
Disbo turns your calculated breakdown into an actual disbursement — with payment execution, trust accounting, and documentation included.