Fort Lauderdale Jury Finds No Permanent Injury in Collision, Awards $5,016
One driver's vehicle was hit from behind while stopped. The case went to trial to determine damages. The person who was hit claimed pain in their back, neck, and legs. The jury awarded $5,016 for past medical expenses.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $5,016
- County
- Broward County, FL
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $5,016 is below the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A motor vehicle accident occurred in Hollywood, Florida, on April 23, 2011, when a plaintiff's stopped vehicle was struck from behind. The 53-year-old plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the driver of the striking vehicle and her own underinsured motorist carrier, seeking damages for alleged back, neck, leg pain, and headaches. The defendants did not dispute liability for the collision itself, but challenged the causation and extent of the plaintiff's claimed injuries.
At trial, the plaintiff's medical expert testified that the injuries were permanent and directly related to the accident. Conversely, the defendants contended that the impact was light and did not cause the alleged injuries. Their medical expert offered testimony that the plaintiff's neck and back symptoms were not a result of the subject automobile accident.
A jury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, determined that the plaintiff did not sustain a permanent injury from the collision. The jury awarded $5,016 for past medical expenses only. The plaintiff's subsequent motion for a new trial was denied, and both defendants were awarded attorney fees and costs.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Broward County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2015, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
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