Canyon, Texas Jury Awards $250,000 in Rear-End Collision
A driver was stopped at a traffic light when his vehicle was struck from behind by a police patrol car. The driver claimed a lower back injury, alleging the collision aggravated a pre-existing condition. The defense argued the impact was too minor to cause injury and questioned the extent of the claimed condition. The jury found in favor of the driver.
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
- $630,000
- County
- Randall County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $630,000 is above 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 September 3, 2014, a plaintiff was driving in Canyon, Texas, when a police officer with the city of Canyon rear-ended his vehicle. The officer had been operating a mobile data terminal at the time of the collision. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city under the Texas Tort Claims Act, alleging the officer's negligence, including failing to keep a proper lookout, control speed, and brake. The city stipulated to liability for the collision.
The plaintiff claimed the accident caused a lower back injury, aggravating a pre-existing but previously undiagnosed condition that led to nerve pain. He underwent physical therapy and received epidural steroid injections, with a neurosurgeon recommending future spinal fusion surgery estimated to cost $195,000. The plaintiff and witnesses testified about the pain's significant impact on his former active lifestyle. The city acknowledged disciplining the officer for the accident.
While the city stipulated to liability for the collision, the defense denied that the accident caused the claimed injuries or aggravated any pre-existing conditions. The defense argued the impact was too minor to cause such injuries, noting the officer testified he braked and the plaintiff initially denied injury at the scene. They also questioned the need for and likelihood of the recommended surgery.
After a three-day trial, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $630,000 in damages. However, this award was reduced to $250,000, consistent with the statutory cap on damages under the Texas Tort Claims Act. The final judgment, incorporating taxable costs and post-judgment interest, totaled $255,448.67.
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 Randall County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
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