Fort Worth, Texas Jury Awards $25,809 in Rear-End Collision

On August 13, 2015, a plaintiff and her minor daughter were involved in a rear-end collision in Fort Worth when their stopped vehicle was struck by a vehicle driven by the defendant. The plaintiffs claimed neck and back injuries. The adult plaintiff, on her own behalf and for her daughter, subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligent vehicle operation. The defendant conceded liability, and the trial focused on determining damages.

The adult plaintiff claimed disc protrusions and radicular pain, while the minor plaintiff alleged lumbar sprains and disc protrusions. Both underwent various medical treatments and testified to experiencing ongoing pain, seeking substantial damages for medical expenses, pain, and impairment. Defense counsel argued the adult plaintiff's conditions were pre-existing, citing a history of back problems, a prior motor-vehicle accident, and similar MRI scans before and after the collision. The defense also presented evidence of minor vehicle damage, suggesting a low-impact collision, and noted that neither plaintiff had received treatment for over three years by the time of trial.

After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for 1.25 hours before awarding the plaintiffs a total of $25,809. The adult plaintiff received $11,500 for past medical costs and $2,500 for past physical pain and mental anguish. The minor plaintiff was awarded $10,559 for past medical costs and $1,250 for past physical pain and mental anguish. The verdict, which was considerably less than the damages requested, suggested the jury was influenced by the defense's arguments regarding pre-existing conditions and the limited causation of damages directly attributable to the incident.