Louisville Jury Awards $11,447 in Rear-End Collision

A plaintiff filed a lawsuit in Louisville, Kentucky, seeking damages for injuries sustained in a July 2016 rear-end collision. The then 29-year-old plaintiff was struck by the defendant's vehicle, which resulted in minor vehicle damage. No injuries were reported at the scene.

The day after the collision, the plaintiff sought emergency medical treatment for neck pain. Three months later, a neurosurgeon performed cervical fusion surgery. The plaintiff alleged the collision aggravated pre-existing neck conditions, causing them to become symptomatic and necessitating the surgery. The lawsuit sought $29,341 in medical expenses and an additional $250,000 for pain and suffering.

The defendant did not appear at trial, leading to a default judgment on liability. The case proceeded to trial solely on the issue of damages. A physician specializing in occupational medicine, testifying for the defense, concluded that the collision caused only a temporary strain injury. This expert noted the plaintiff's documented history of neck pain, including prior incidents, and opined that any treatment beyond immediate acute care was unrelated to the crash.

A Louisville jury awarded the plaintiff $11,447 for medical bills but did not award any damages for pain and suffering. The final judgment was entered for $1,147, reflecting the jury's award less personal injury protection benefits.