Tennessee Jury Awards $20,036 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in traffic when another driver rear-ended her vehicle. The injured driver initially continued her trip but sought medical treatment upon her return. She complained of neck pain, hip pain, and hearing loss. Medical bills totaled approximately $75,000. The defense argued the injuries were less severe than claimed. A jury awarded damages for medicals and pain and suffering.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $20,036
- County
- Dallas County, KY
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $20,036 is near the median of $13,980 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,649 to $30,000, based on 1000 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A driver involved in a rear-end collision on I-75 in March 2013 filed a lawsuit seeking damages for various injuries. The plaintiff, then age 35, was stopped in traffic on the way to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, when a pickup truck driven by an employee of a pest control company struck her vehicle from behind. The collision resulted in claimed radiating neck pain, soft-tissue hip pain, a labral tear requiring surgical repair, and hearing loss. The plaintiff alleged approximately $75,000 in medical bills and sought additional damages for future care, lost wages, impairment, and pain and suffering.
The defendant employer admitted fault for the crash but contested the extent of the plaintiff's injuries. An independent medical expert for the defense suggested the plaintiff sustained only a hip bruise and a transient soft-tissue back injury. The plaintiff's treating physicians, including a chiropractor and an orthopedic specialist, confirmed her injuries.
Following a four-day trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $10,036 for medical expenses and $10,000 for pain and suffering. The jury rejected claims for future care, lost wages, and impairment, resulting in a total verdict of $20,036. A judgment consistent with the verdict was subsequently entered.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
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