Dallas, Texas Jury Awards $40,681 in Rear-End Crash
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another car. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The case went to trial to determine damages, as liability was conceded.
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
- $40,681
- 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 $40,681 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 August 4, 2016, a 61-year-old self-employed woman was stopped in traffic on Interstate 30 in Dallas, Texas, when her vehicle was rear-ended by a trailing vehicle. The plaintiff claimed to suffer injuries to her back and neck. She subsequently filed a lawsuit against the driver of the trailing vehicle, alleging negligence in the operation of the defendant's vehicle. The defendant conceded liability for the collision, and the trial proceeded to address the scope of damages.
The plaintiff asserted that she sustained a herniated L5-S1 intervertebral disc and trauma causing protrusions of her C3-4 and C4-5 discs. She underwent chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy for approximately three months each and claimed residual pain and limitations impacting her daily activities and work. The plaintiff sought compensation for past medical expenses, as well as past and future pain, suffering, impairment, and mental anguish. The defense, however, argued that the plaintiff's claimed injuries were not caused by the collision but were pre-existing degenerative conditions related to aging and her physically demanding occupation as a construction company owner.
Following a three-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict. The jury determined the plaintiff's total damages amounted to $40,681.
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 aligns very well with 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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