Harris County Jury Awards $6,250 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling on Interstate 45 when the other driver struck the back of their car. The impact pushed the first car into the vehicle in front of it, causing a second collision. The injured driver claimed to have suffered neck and back injuries, including disc protrusions and cervical radiculopathy, requiring medical treatment. The other driver denied negligence and claimed the injured driver was also at fault. The jury found the defendant solely responsible and awarded damages for past medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Lumbar Disc Injury Injuries
Lumbar disc injuries affect the lower back (L1-L5 and S1), which bears significant body weight and is particularly vulnerable to trauma. These injuries can cause debilitating pain and functional limitations.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $6,250
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Multiple Vehicle Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $6,250 is below the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In September 2016, a motor vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 45 in Harris County, Texas, when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's car from the rear, pushing it into another vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a negligence lawsuit, alleging the defendant failed to properly operate their vehicle, maintain a proper lookout, and apply brakes timely. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered serious and permanent neck and back injuries, including disc protrusions and cervical radiculopathy, which necessitated cervical epidural steroid injections.
The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and injury, further asserting that the plaintiff was comparatively or contributorily negligent for the incident. The defendant also disputed the severity and permanence of the plaintiff's claimed injuries.
Following a trial, a jury in Harris County found the defendant solely negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $6,250 in total damages, which included $5,750 for past medical expenses and $500 for past pain and suffering.
Understanding This Case
- About 90% of lumbar disc herniations improve with conservative treatment. However, those requiring surgery may face permanent work restrictions and ongoing pain management needs.
- 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 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
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