Dallas Jury Awards $22,832 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in traffic when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including disc herniations and stenosis, with pain radiating down their leg. The injured driver sought past medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. The other driver's counsel argued the impact was minor and the injured driver had recovered well.
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
- $22,832
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $22,832 is near the median of $60,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $229,900, based on 396 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On December 9, 2016, a plaintiff's vehicle was rear-ended by the defendant's vehicle on Interstate 35 in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff subsequently filed a negligence lawsuit, claiming neck and back injuries.
The plaintiff testified to being stopped in traffic at the time of the collision. An investigating officer's report, admitted as evidence, faulted the defendant for failing to control speed. The plaintiff claimed herniated and protruding discs, cervical and thoracic sprains, headaches, and radiating leg pain. Treatment included chiropractic care and physical therapy, with most injuries reportedly resolved by trial. Damages sought included past medical expenses, pain and anguish, physical impairment, and property damage.
The defendant's counsel argued for a minor impact, stating the defendant was driving slowly and braked. Counsel argued no negligence, emphasizing the plaintiff's recovery and lack of treatment since April 2017. After a two-day trial and three hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable and awarded the plaintiff $22,832.
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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, 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 is within expected ranges
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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