Fort Worth, Texas Jury Awards $108,375 in Rear-End Collision

A Fort Worth, Texas jury awarded $108,375 to a plaintiff injured in a rear-end collision. The incident occurred on November 7, 2014, when the plaintiff, a small business owner and car passenger, was struck from behind by another vehicle on Boat Club Road. The plaintiff alleged the defendant driver was negligent in operating the vehicle. The defendant admitted liability for the collision, but the trial proceeded on the issues of causation and damages related to the plaintiff's claimed neck and back injuries.

The plaintiff's vehicle was totaled. Following the collision, the plaintiff sought emergency medical treatment and later reported ongoing neck and back pain. Treatment included physical therapy, consistent primary care visits until late 2016, and several months of massage therapy. A June 2015 cervical MRI revealed herniations, and the plaintiff consulted a pain management specialist, though recommended injections were not pursued. The plaintiff testified that the injuries profoundly altered daily life and exacerbated a pre-existing condition, seeking $8,375 for past medical expenses, along with damages for past and future pain, suffering, and physical impairment.

The defense characterized the impact as less severe than claimed and argued that the plaintiff exaggerated complaints. The defense also emphasized the plaintiff's extensive pre-existing medical conditions, questioning the ability to differentiate accident-related pain from prior conditions. Additionally, the defense highlighted that much of the plaintiff's treatment consisted of massage therapy.

After a one-day trial and three hours of deliberation, the jury found in favor of the plaintiff. The award included $8,375 for past medical costs, $20,000 for past physical impairment, $30,000 for future physical impairment, $20,000 for past physical pain and suffering, and $30,000 for future physical pain and suffering. A post-trial motion by defense counsel was denied.