Houston Judge Awards $128,105 After Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped for traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another driver. The driver who was hit alleged the other driver was not paying attention and was speeding. The injured driver experienced problems with the discs and nerves in their neck and back, requiring injections and a procedure to treat the pain. Medical bills were over $100,000.
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
- $128,106
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $128,106 is near 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
On April 11, 2015, a vehicle operated by the plaintiff was struck from the rear on Kuykendahl Road in Houston, Texas, while stopped in traffic. The plaintiff alleged the incident caused serious and permanent injuries to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, requiring facet injections and a lumbar rhizotomy. Medical expenses associated with these injuries exceeded $100,000. The lawsuit claimed the defendant's negligence included failing to maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes, and control vehicle speed.
The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and disputed the claimed injuries, requiring the plaintiff to provide strict proof. After hearing the case, the court awarded the plaintiff $103,105.69 for past medical expenses and $25,000 for past compensatory damages.
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 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 differs from typical similar cases
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