Harris County Jury Awards $192.50 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a parking lot exit when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed multiple injuries, including neck and back pain, headaches, and anxiety. The defense argued the impact was minor and the injured driver had pre-existing conditions. The jury found both drivers partially at fault.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $350
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $350 is below the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In December 2015, a collision occurred on a southbound Highway 249 feeder road in Harris County. A plaintiff, a construction worker, was driving a Kia Soul and waiting at a stop sign to exit a parking lot when a defendant, driving a Ford Edge SUV, rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and follow at a safe distance.
The plaintiff argued that the defendant was solely negligent, stating the plaintiff's vehicle remained stopped at the time of impact. The defendant, however, contended the plaintiff contributed to the collision by initially proceeding from the stop sign and then suddenly stopping. The defendant testified to briefly looking away for traffic, believing the plaintiff had made the turn, only to find the plaintiff stopped upon looking forward again.
Following the incident, the plaintiff sought medical treatment for a range of injuries, including headaches, neck and back pain, and tingling. Diagnoses included disc herniations and stenosis. The plaintiff sought compensation for past medical expenses, physical pain, and impairment. The defense disputed the causation of the injuries, citing minor damage to both vehicles and suggesting the plaintiff's reported symptoms were attributable to pre-existing conditions and a 30-year career in construction.
After a one-day trial, a jury found both parties negligent. The jury assigned 55% fault to the defendant and 45% fault to the plaintiff. The plaintiff was awarded $350 for past medical expenses only, which was reduced to $192.50 to reflect the comparative fault.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 Harris 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
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