Louisville, KY Jury Awards $3,429 in Rear-End Collision

On November 6, 2014, a chain-reaction rear-end collision occurred on Outer Loop in Louisville, Kentucky. A defendant's vehicle struck a car, propelling it into the plaintiff's stopped vehicle. The defendant later admitted fault for the collision, and the plaintiff, a court clerk, was transported to an emergency room by ambulance.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit claiming disc bulges, protrusions, and a shoulder injury resulted from the incident. She sought $16,491 in medical expenses, $3,600 for nine weeks of lost wages, and up to $300,000 for pain and suffering, with evidence suggesting permanent injuries. Treating doctors, a chiropractor and an osteopath, testified on her behalf. The defense minimized the claimed injuries, arguing that the secondary impact to the plaintiff's vehicle was minor and presenting an independent medical examination.

A jury deliberated solely on damages. The jury awarded the plaintiff $3,429 for medical expenses but rejected her claims for lost wages and pain and suffering. This outcome aligned with the defense's position that the impact on the plaintiff's vehicle was minor and the claimed injuries were not as severe as asserted.