Harris County Jury Awards $75,000 in Collision Negligence

In June 2017, a collision occurred on Highway 249 in Harris County when the defendant, attempting a left turn from a parking lot, struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The investigating officer attributed fault to the defendant for failing to yield the right of way. The plaintiff, a 52-year-old cashier, subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and claiming neck and back injuries.

During trial, the defendant admitted fault for the accident, and defense counsel conceded liability. The plaintiff testified, detailing seven herniated cervical and lumbar discs and annular tears, which she claimed resulted from the collision and caused significant pain and impairment. She underwent physical therapy, pain management treatment, and received epidural steroid injections. A pain management specialist opined that her injuries were caused by the accident, and the plaintiff's counsel sought approximately $200,000 in damages, including $82,000 for past medical expenses.

The defense, while conceding liability for the accident, disputed the causation of the claimed injuries. They argued that the accident could not have caused the extensive disc injuries, noting the plaintiff declined an ambulance, had a three-week delay in initial treatment, and a six-month gap in subsequent treatment. The defense also pointed to the plaintiff's age and signs of degenerative disc disease on her MRIs. Defense counsel suggested an award of $10,000.

After a two-day trial and three hours of deliberation, the jury determined that the defendant's negligence alone proximately caused the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $75,000, specifically for past medical expenses. No damages were awarded for future medical expenses, past or future physical pain, mental anguish, or physical impairment.