Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Collision, Awards $13,467
One driver was preparing to exit a highway when the other driver collided with the rear of their vehicle. The injured driver claimed back and shoulder injuries, including a disc protrusion and strains. The defense argued the injured driver stopped suddenly and disputed the extent and cause of the injuries, citing a later 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
- $13,467
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $13,467 is below 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 Sept. 6, 2012, a plaintiff was driving on Interstate 30 at the Hampton Road exit in Dallas when a vehicle driven by a defendant collided with the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained a disc protrusion at L4-5, muscle strains in the non-dominant left shoulder, chronic vertigo, and headaches, alleging the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout or control speed.
The defendant denied negligence, arguing the plaintiff came to a sudden stop, allowing no time to avoid the collision. Defense counsel also disputed the plaintiff's claimed injuries and damages, maintaining that a delay in treatment established a lack of injury, that a subsequent motor vehicle accident two months later was the proximate cause of any injuries, and that the medical treatments received were excessive. The plaintiff sought $13,470 for past medical expenses and an unspecified amount for past pain and suffering.
Following a one-day trial in Dallas County, a jury deliberated for two hours. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $13,467, which included compensation for past medical costs and past pain and suffering.
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 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
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
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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