Tampa Jury Awards $92,050 After Rear-End Collision
One driver was struck from behind by another driver. The injured driver claimed to have suffered a herniated disc as a result of the collision. The other driver argued the complaints were a combination of depression and muscle strain. The jury found the injury to be permanent.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $66,831
- County
- Hillsborough County, FL
- Resolved
- 1999
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $66,831 is near the median of $75,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $20,261 to $300,000, based on 119 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On February 24, 1997, a vehicle operated by the plaintiff in Tampa was struck from behind by the defendant's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging injuries sustained in the collision.
During the proceedings, experts in neurology and radiology testified for both parties. A toxicology expert also testified for the plaintiff. Evidence presented to the jury indicated that the defendant had used marijuana within twelve hours of the accident. The defendant admitted liability for the collision before the trial commenced. Prior to trial, the plaintiff had offered to settle the case for $16,000, while the defendant had offered $60,000.
The jury determined that the plaintiff had suffered a permanent injury as a result of the accident. It awarded $50 in punitive damages, finding that the defendant's marijuana usage was relevant to the outcome. Following the verdict, the court ordered the defendant to pay $92,000 in attorney's fees to the plaintiff's counsel.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Hillsborough County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 1999, 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 aligns very well with similar cases
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