Orlando Jury Finds Permanent Injury, Awards No Damages in Rear-End Crash
One driver was stopped at a green light in Orlando, preparing to turn right, when their vehicle was hit from behind by another driver. The injured person was found to have a permanent injury.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $13,840
- County
- Orange County, FL
- Resolved
- 2001
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $13,840 is below the median of $42,976 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $139,701, based on 382 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On July 24, 1997, a plaintiff was traveling west on W. Colonial Drive at the intersection with Mercy Drive in Orlando. While in the right lane and preparing to turn right, the plaintiff stopped for an ambulance with flashing lights that was making a left turn. The plaintiff's vehicle was then rear-ended by a defendant's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging negligence related to the collision and resulting injuries.
Prior to trial, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff regarding a seat belt issue. Expert witnesses, including those in chiropractic, neurology, and radiology for the plaintiff, and an orthopedic surgeon for the defendant, provided testimony concerning the plaintiff's injuries. A jury ultimately found that the plaintiff sustained a permanent injury from the incident. However, the jury awarded zero damages for future loss of ability to earn income and future medical expenses.
Following the verdict, the plaintiff's motion for additur and/or a new trial was denied, as was the defendant's motion for PIP set-off.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 Orange County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2001, 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
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want to check your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Orange County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.