Farmers Branch Jury Awards $23,572 in Stop Sign Collision
One driver ran a stop sign and hit another car at an intersection. The driver who was hit claimed neck and back injuries that were aggravated by the accident. The defense argued the injuries were pre-existing and degenerative.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $23,572
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $23,572 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On January 30, 2013, a two-vehicle collision occurred in Farmers Branch, Texas, at a four-way stop intersection. A defendant reportedly ran a stop sign, striking the vehicle driven by a plaintiff, a home and office cleaner. The plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries. She and a passenger, also a cleaner, subsequently sued the defendant for negligence, alleging failure to yield the right of way and maintain a proper lookout. The passenger settled before trial for an undisclosed amount. The court granted a directed verdict for the driver-plaintiff on liability.
The plaintiff alleged the accident aggravated her pre-existing neck and back conditions, which included prior chiropractic treatment and a surgical procedure 20 years earlier. Following the collision, she underwent several months of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and multiple epidural steroid injections. A pain management doctor for the plaintiff testified that the collision "broke her back," citing a change in MRI findings and asserting a need for future surgery. The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical bills, physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.
The defense countered that the plaintiff's injuries were pre-existing and degenerative, unrelated to the accident, and that the vehicle impact was minor. The defense noted a 2.5-year gap in the plaintiff's treatment before trial and consistent high pain ratings both before and after the collision. A jury in Dallas County awarded the plaintiff $23,572, an amount corresponding solely to her claim for past medical bills. No other damages were awarded.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- 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
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