Key points
- There is no single scale that automatically determines the amount of compensation.
- The calculation depends on the severity of the injuries, the after-effects, the victim’s age, and their professional situation.
- The medical assessment is decisive in identifying the losses and evaluating their consequences.
- The heads of loss are generally analyzed using the Dintilhac Nomenclature.
- An insurance offer may be insufficient if certain losses are overlooked or underestimated.
- A personal injury lawyer can help obtain compensation that is more complete and better tailored to the case.
Have you been the victim of a road traffic accident, a life accident, a medical error, or an assault? It is often difficult to know how much a compensation claim is really worth.
This page allows you to obtain a first indicative estimate of your personal injury based on your situation, your after-effects, and the professional or personal consequences suffered.
Complete the form below in just a few minutes. The Law Firm of Attorney Marilyne Letessier may then contact you if you would like a personalized review of your case.
Assess your compensation after an accident free of charge
Important: the assessment provided through this form is purely indicative. It does not constitute a full legal consultation, a medical assessment, or any guarantee of outcome. Only a thorough review of the case can provide a reliable estimate of compensation.
Is there an official compensation calculator?
No. No official calculator can determine the exact value of a compensation claim: there is no single automatic scale, and every situation is assessed individually. The calculator above gives you an initial order of magnitude in a few minutes, based on your situation. It does not replace a full medical and legal assessment, but it helps you see more clearly before a first conversation with the firm.
Which accidents may give rise to compensation?
- Road traffic accident (car, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, pedestrian)
- Electric scooter accident
- Everyday life accident
- Workplace accident
- Medical error
- Assault
- Fall in a public or private place
- Third-party liability
What types of damages are generally compensated?
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent functional impairment
- Aesthetic damage:
- Loss of enjoyment (inability to practice sports or leisure activities)
- Loss of income
- Professional impact
- Need for third-party assistance
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Moral damage
How is the amount of compensation calculated?
Compensation is not a fixed lump sum: it is calculated by adding together the various heads of damage recognised in the case. Two victims of comparable accidents may therefore receive very different amounts.
Factors that affect the amount of compensation
- the nature and severity of the injuries;
- the duration of temporary incapacity and time off work;
- the presence of permanent impairments;
- the victim’s age and occupation;
- loss of independence and the need for personal assistance;
- future needs: medical care, home adaptations, and an adapted vehicle.
For road traffic accidents, see also the compensation guidelines following a road accident.
The role of the medical expert assessment
The medical expert assessment is central to calculating compensation: it identifies the injuries, assesses lasting impairments, and determines future needs. Its findings provide the basis for assigning a financial value to each head of damage. Poor preparation for this assessment can therefore significantly reduce the compensation awarded.
Before or after medical stabilisation?
Before medical stabilisation, an initial estimate and interim payments may be obtained. However, the final calculation can only be made once the victim’s condition has stabilised: permanent impairments can only be properly assessed at this stage, and this is generally when the final compensation amount is determined.
Examples of compensation ranges
For illustrative purposes only:
- minor injuries with no lasting impairment: a few thousand euros;
- moderate lasting impairments: several thousand to several tens of thousands of euros;
- significant lasting impairments: tens to hundreds of thousands of euros;
- severe disability: several hundred thousand euros or more.
These broad ranges do not constitute an individual assessment: each case requires a personalised analysis. For specific cases, see our examples of compensation following an accident.
Why have your case assessed?
Many victims accept an insufficient compensation offer due to a lack of guidance. An initial estimate helps to better understand the financial stakes of the case and decide whether it is advisable to be assisted by a lawyer experienced in personal injury law.
A general estimate does not always account for all the consequences of an accident: some heads of damage are often overlooked or undervalued, and the impact on the victim’s career, family life, or future independence can significantly affect the amount of compensation. A personalised assessment therefore remains essential.
Can you challenge the insurer’s proposed compensation calculation?
Yes. A compensation offer may be insufficient if certain heads of damage have been overlooked or undervalued. The victim can then negotiate, request a reassessment, or take legal action. Before signing anything, read our article: can you reject an insurer’s offer after an accident?
Legal References and Useful Information
To better understand how compensation is calculated after an accident and how personal injury losses are assessed, you may consult the following resources:
- Act No. 85-677 of 5 July 1985 (Badinter Act) — the key legislation governing compensation for victims of road traffic accidents.
- Article L211-9 of the French Insurance Code — requires insurers to make a compensation offer within specified time limits.
- Article L211-13 of the French Insurance Code — provides for penalties in cases where the insurer makes a late or inadequate compensation offer.
- Dintilhac Nomenclature — the reference framework used to identify the various heads of compensable loss.
- Service-public.fr — practical information on victims’ rights and compensation procedures.
- ONIAM — compensation for medical accidents, treatment-induced conditions, and hospital-acquired infections.
Frequently asked questions about accident compensation calculation
How does this compensation calculator work?
The calculator analyzes several key factors: type of accident, severity of the injuries, possible after-effects, time off work, and impact on daily life. It provides an initial indicative estimate. A personalized review of the case by the firm can then refine this assessment.
Is the calculator really free?
Yes. The calculator is completely free and without obligation. After your request, the firm may offer you a first confidential 15-minute video consultation in order to review your situation.
How long after an accident can you claim compensation?
In personal injury cases, the applicable time limits vary depending on the circumstances. In many situations, legal action may be brought several years after the accident. However, it is generally advisable to act promptly in order to preserve evidence, gather medical records, and properly organize the assessment of the losses suffered.
Does the result provided by the calculator correspond to the final amount of compensation?
No. The calculator provides an indicative estimate only. The final amount of compensation depends in particular on the medical assessment, medical stabilization, the supporting documentation provided, loss of income, permanent after-effects, and all compensable heads of loss taken into account.
What factors influence the amount of compensation?
The amount of compensation depends on many factors, including the nature of the injuries, the duration of any time off work, permanent after-effects, the need for third-party assistance, medical expenses, loss of income, professional impact, pain and suffering, aesthetic damage, and the consequences on the victim’s personal life.
Why have a compensation estimate reviewed by a lawyer?
An automatic estimate cannot replace a comprehensive review of a case. A lawyer can verify the compensable heads of loss, prepare for the medical assessment, review the insurer’s compensation offer, and identify any factors that may justify a more comprehensive award of compensation.