Richmond Jury Issues Defense Verdict, Awards $743 in Rear-End Collision

A rear-end collision occurred on a Richmond bypass on November 22, 2012, when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's car, pushing it into another vehicle. While damage was minor, the plaintiff subsequently sought medical treatment for soft-tissue symptoms and the alleged aggravation of a pre-existing spinal syrinx. A family doctor identified a traumatic injury to the syrinx. The court later determined the defendant was negligent as a matter of law, leading the plaintiff to file a lawsuit seeking damages, including $14,973 for past medical expenses, $25,000 for future care, and up to $50,000 for pain and suffering.

The defendant's defense focused on minimizing the claimed injuries, arguing that the plaintiff's syrinx condition was congenital and unrelated to the collision. An expert for the defendant testified that the syrinx and related issues were congenital. The case proceeded to a two-day trial in Richmond, where the jury deliberated solely on damages.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $743 for medical expenses, which reportedly covered an emergency room bill and initial treatment. The jury awarded no damages for future medical care or for pain and suffering. Following the verdict, a defense judgment was entered, consistent with the jury's findings and due to the fact that personal injury protection (PIP) coverage extinguished the awarded medical bills. No post-trial challenges were filed, and the case concluded.