Fort Worth Jury Awards $10,100 in Motor Vehicle Collision
One driver was stopped at a light when the other driver backed into the front of their vehicle. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries. The case proceeded against the driver who backed up, with claims of negligent operation and failure to keep a proper lookout. The defense argued the conduct was not negligent and questioned the extent of the injuries.
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
- $10,100
- County
- Tarrant County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Physical Therapy, Slap Lesion/tear, Soft Tissue
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $10,100 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
A collision occurred in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 24, 2015, when the plaintiff's stopped vehicle was struck in the front by a car backing up. The plaintiff, who sustained neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including a partial-thickness SLAP tear, subsequently filed a lawsuit against the driver of the other vehicle, alleging negligence. An initial claim against the vehicle owner was later discontinued.
During the proceedings, the plaintiff contended that the defendant operated the vehicle negligently by backing up unsafely and failing to maintain a proper lookout. The defendant stated she was backing up to change lanes and argued her conduct did not constitute negligence. The plaintiff sought approximately $23,000 for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and physical impairment. The defense presented a chiropractor's report that questioned the necessity and reasonableness of the plaintiff's medical treatment. The defense also highlighted a delay in treatment, the minor vehicle damage, and inconsistencies in the plaintiff's account of the injury mechanism.
After a one-day trial, a jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $10,100. According to defense counsel, the plaintiff presented as a more credible witness than the defendant, whose testimony was reportedly confusing and contradictory.
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 Tarrant County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, 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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