Granbury, Texas Rear-End Collision Settles, Amount Undisclosed

On November 21, 2014, in Granbury, Texas, a plaintiff and her teenage daughter were involved in a rear-end vehicle collision. Their sport utility vehicle was struck by a car driven by the defendant. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent in the operation of his vehicle and claimed neck and back injuries.

Both plaintiffs sought emergency room treatment, followed by several months of chiropractic care and physical therapy. At trial, the primary plaintiff testified to ongoing head, neck, and lower back pain, restricted motion, and sleep disturbances. A chiropractor testified she would require lifelong pain medication and periodic chiropractic care. The teenage plaintiff also testified to persistent head, neck, and lower back pain and severe headaches that affected her college studies, with her chiropractor stating she would need lifelong pain medication. The plaintiffs sought damages for past and future medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment. The defendant did not attend the trial, and liability was not strongly disputed. Defense counsel noted the plaintiffs had sought no treatment for three years prior to trial but did not dispute the reasonableness or necessity of past medical bills.

After a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant liable for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiffs a total of $311,000 for damages, including past and future medical costs, physical impairment, and pain and suffering. The court entered a judgment for the plaintiffs, which included past medical expenses only for the amounts proven and sought. The defendant filed a notice of appeal, and the case later settled for an undisclosed amount.