Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Crash, Awards $15,297
One driver stopped at a red light and was rear-ended by the vehicle behind her. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including disc herniations. The other driver contended the injured driver stopped suddenly. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded damages for past medical bills.
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
- $15,297
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $15,297 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 January 17, 2014, a plaintiff was driving a sedan on the service road of the North Dallas Tollway in Dallas, Texas. While stopped at a red light, a sport utility vehicle driven by a defendant rear-ended her vehicle. The incident, for which no police report was filed, resulted in the plaintiff claiming neck and back injuries. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout, driving too fast, failing to control speed, following too closely, and failing to brake or turn to avoid the collision.
The plaintiff claimed disc herniations at multiple cervical and lumbar levels, stating these injuries caused persistent back pain and interfered with her ability to work. Following the collision, the plaintiff sought treatment from a chiropractor, made emergency room visits, and received epidural steroid injections from a pain management doctor. Medical imaging, specifically MRIs, confirmed the disc herniations. The plaintiff sought $15,297 for past medical expenses, along with unspecified damages for past and future lost earning capacity, physical pain, mental anguish, and future medical bills.
The defendant denied negligence, arguing that the plaintiff had slammed on her brakes, causing a sudden stop. The defense also contended that the plaintiff's claimed injuries were exaggerated and that her treatment was excessive. The defense introduced counteraffidavits from a pain management doctor and a chiropractor. The defense chiropractor opined that the plaintiff sustained only a minor sprain/strain that would have resolved quickly, and that the observed disc herniations were either age-related or too small to cause the reported level of pain.
The case proceeded to a one-day trial in Dallas. After two hours of deliberation, a six-person jury unanimously found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $15,297, specifically for past medical bills. With prejudgment interest and taxable costs, the final judgment totaled $17,514.03.
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 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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