Harris County, Texas Jury Awards $3.09M in Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in a grocery store parking lot crosswalk in Harris County, Texas, leading to a personal injury lawsuit. The incident occurred on May 10, 2014, as the female plaintiff was leaving a local grocery store. The plaintiff was struck by a vehicle operated by the defendant while in a crosswalk and was subsequently dragged several yards through the parking lot. The plaintiff sustained significant injuries, including bilateral anterior acetabular column and pubic rami fractures, compression injury to the pubic symphysis, left rib fractures, a lower extremity laceration, left hemothorax, diabetes mellitus, and emotional distress, requiring weeks of hospitalization and rehabilitation.

The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent by failing to yield the right of way, failing to keep a proper lookout, traveling at an excessive speed, and driving while distracted. The defendant, conversely, maintained that the plaintiff's own actions were the sole or partial proximate cause of the incident and resultant damages.

A jury ultimately found the defendant 100% liable for the accident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $432,897.11 for past medical expenses, $275,000 for future medical expenses, $2,080,000 for past pain and suffering, $10,300 for past wage loss, and $300,000 for future pain and suffering, totaling $3,098,197.11 in damages.