Jury Awards Medical Expenses, No Permanent Injury Found in Rear-End Collision

On January 4, 1995, a vehicle operated by an underinsured motorist struck the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle at the intersection of S.R. 70 and Turner Avenue. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the collision caused increased cervical pain and related injuries that necessitated further medical treatment.

The plaintiff contended that symptoms substantially worsened after the accident, leading to an additional cervical laminectomy and fusion in March 1997, despite a prior laminectomy in 1989. Medical experts testified for both sides regarding the cause and extent of the plaintiff's injuries. The defendant argued that the accident caused minimal damage and did not result in a permanent injury. The defense highlighted the plaintiff's pre-existing cervical conditions and a medical opinion, rendered months after the crash, indicating no specific neurological residual or disability from the January 1995 motor vehicle accident.

After deliberation, the jury determined that the January 1995 motor vehicle accident did not cause a permanent injury. The plaintiff was awarded past medical expenses, which were limited to the period before a physician concluded there were no residual effects from the collision.