Fulton County Jury Awards $362,000 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a traffic light when the other driver struck their vehicle from behind. The injured driver sustained serious injuries to their head, neck, shoulder, and back, requiring surgery and significant medical expenses. The case involved claims of negligence and vicarious liability against the at-fault driver and their employer. The jury found in favor of the injured driver, awarding damages for their 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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $362,000
- County
- Fulton County, GA
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Civil Procedure, Torts, Transportation Law
Settlement Context
This settlement of $362,000 is above the median of $20,000 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $7,500 to $75,000, based on 235 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On February 18, 2016, a rear-end collision occurred on Mallory Road in Fulton County, Georgia, when a vehicle driven by an employee of an apartment complex struck another vehicle. The plaintiff sustained serious injuries, including head, neck, shoulder, and back trauma, which required spine surgery and resulted in significant medical expenses.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the driver and the apartment complex, alleging the driver's negligence in operating the vehicle and negligent per se for following too closely in violation of state law. The plaintiff further claimed the apartment complex was directly and vicariously liable, asserting negligent hiring, supervision, training, retention, and entrustment of driving responsibilities to its employee. The defendants denied liability, arguing improper venue, potentially defective service of process, and that the apartment complex did not breach any legal duty. They also contended the claim was barred by a limited liability release and that the plaintiff's injuries stemmed from unrelated intervening events.
After discovery and attempts at mediation, the case proceeded to trial. On September 11, 2019, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The court entered judgment the following day, awarding $362,000 in general damages against both the driver and the apartment complex. The jury's decision affirmed the plaintiff's claims regarding the defendants' liability for the collision and the resulting injuries.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Fulton 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 differs from typical similar cases
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