Brenham, Texas Jury Awards $17,105 in Intersection Collision
One driver was traveling on a highway and another was approaching an intersection with a stop sign. The driver with the stop sign proceeded into the intersection, and the two vehicles collided. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including herniated discs. The defense argued the intersection was confusing and the injured driver contributed to the accident.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $24,437
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $24,437 is near the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On July 25, 2015, a collision occurred in Brenham, Texas, at the intersection of State Highway 105 and Academy Street. The plaintiff was driving a pickup truck southwest on State Highway 105, which did not have a stop sign. The defendant, driving another vehicle, had stopped at a stop sign on Academy Street before proceeding straight. The vehicles collided as the plaintiff made a left turn. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries, including herniated discs.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent for failing to yield the right of way. The plaintiff initially sued a third-party vehicle owner for negligent entrustment, but later dismissed that claim. Plaintiff's counsel argued the defendant was solely responsible for the collision. The defendant contended that the intersection's layout was confusing and that the plaintiff contributed to the accident by making an unsafe left turn. The defense also challenged the causation and credibility of the plaintiff's claimed injuries, citing a prior motor vehicle accident and inconsistencies in testimony.
After a two-day trial, a jury found both parties negligent. The jury assigned 70 percent responsibility to the defendant and 30 percent to the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $24,437 for past medical expenses. After the reduction for comparative fault, the final judgment amount was $17,105.90.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 Harris 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 differs from typical similar cases
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