Brazoria County Jury Awards $69,251 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when another driver rear-ended her. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries with nerve symptoms. She sought damages for past medical bills, pain, and impairment. The defense argued the injuries were pre-existing and degenerative, and that any treatment beyond initial visits was unnecessary. The jury found the at-fault driver negligent and awarded damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $69,251
- County
- Brazoria County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $69,251 is near the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A rear-end collision in Brazoria County resulted in a personal injury lawsuit and a jury award for the plaintiff. On February 7, 2012, the plaintiff's vehicle was struck from behind by the defendant's vehicle while stopped at a red light on Almeda Road at McHard Road. Police responded, but no report was filed. The plaintiff sued the defendant for negligence, alleging failures to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and avoid the collision.
The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries, including a herniated disc and radiating symptoms. She sought treatment at an urgent care clinic, followed by chiropractic care, and later received cervical epidural steroid injections. The plaintiff reported a full recovery by November 2012. Her pain management expert testified the treatment was necessary and accident-related. The plaintiff sought approximately $92,500, including $47,500 for past medical bills.
While the defendant initially contended the plaintiff stopped suddenly, liability was conceded in closing arguments. A defense neurologist opined any injuries were pre-existing or minor, resolving within ten days, deeming much treatment unnecessary. The defense also noted the plaintiff's referral to certain providers and argued for minimal impact, despite the defendant's vehicle sustaining $4,700 in front-end damage. The defense suggested a significantly lower award for damages.
After a two-day trial, a Brazoria County jury deliberated for 2.5 hours before finding the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $69,251. This included the full amount requested for past medical costs, but significantly reduced the plaintiff's requested amounts for past physical pain and physical impairment. The plaintiff was expected to seek prejudgment interest.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 Brazoria County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2016, 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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