Boyle County Jury Awards $742,702 in Rear-End Collision
A driver was rear-ended in a moderate collision. The injured person sought treatment for soft-tissue symptoms and was later diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. Medical bills and future care costs were significant. The case involved claims for lost wages and pain and suffering. An insurance company disputed the extent of the claimed injury.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $742,702
- County
- Dallas County, KY
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Civil Procedure, Criminal Law and Procedure, Insurance Law
Settlement Context
This settlement of $742,702 is above the median of $20,000 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $6,600 to $53,015, based on 108 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In February 2011, a rear-end collision occurred in Danville, Kentucky. The plaintiff sustained injuries and was transported to an emergency room for soft-tissue symptoms. The at-fault driver's insurer subsequently paid $55,000, and the plaintiff's insurer paid $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, totaling $65,000.
The plaintiff then filed a lawsuit seeking underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits from her own insurer. The case, initially filed in Boyle County, was removed to federal court. The plaintiff alleged a thoracic outlet syndrome, incurred $101,824 in medical bills, and claimed $799,500 for future medical care, $10,879 for lost wages, and $180,000 for pain and suffering. The defendant insurer minimized the plaintiff's claimed injuries, presenting an independent medical examination expert who opined that the plaintiff's injuries were temporary strains that had resolved, and that ongoing care was unnecessary. The UIM policy limits were $250,000, with an overall UIM ceiling of $315,000 when factoring in prior payments.
A jury found that the plaintiff had incurred damages exceeding $65,000. The jury awarded the plaintiff $101,824 for medical bills, $450,000 for future medical care, $10,879 for lost wages, and $180,000 for pain and suffering, totaling $742,702. The verdict amount exceeded the defendant's UIM policy limits. Although a formal judgment had not yet been entered, the presumed judgment for the plaintiff was for the policy limit of $250,000. The case was subsequently scheduled to proceed to a bifurcated bad faith claim.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- 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 2015, 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
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