Bullitt County Jury Awards $28,069 in Rear-End Collision

A rear-end collision occurred on December 20, 2014, on Preston Highway near the Bullitt County line. The plaintiff, operating a large vehicle, was struck by the defendant. Despite minimal vehicle damage, the plaintiff reported developing shoulder pain later that day, attributing it to the impact. The plaintiff subsequently underwent shoulder replacement surgery and anticipated the potential need for future repair.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, seeking $28,069 for past medical bills, $40,000 for future care, and damages for pain and suffering, which were limited to $100,000 by court instructions. The defendant conceded fault for the crash but argued that the minor impact was insufficient to cause a compensable injury and presented a threshold defense.

A jury resolved the threshold issue in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $28,069 for past medical expenses but rejected claims for future care and pain and suffering. Nearly a month after the verdict, a judgment had not been entered, pending a dispute over the proper disclosure of the plaintiff's medical expenses.