Houston Jury Awards $107,390.99 in Motor Vehicle Collision

In Houston, Texas, a traffic collision occurred on May 27, 2021, on Farm to Market Road 1960. A defendant driver pulled out from a fast-food restaurant and struck a westbound vehicle, which then collided with the plaintiff's vehicle. The court subsequently granted a directed verdict on liability against the defendant.

The plaintiff, a 51-year-old warehouse supervisor, initially refused an ambulance but sought medical attention eight days later. The plaintiff claimed a 1-millimeter cervical disc bulge and a 2-millimeter lumbar disc herniation. Treatment included visits to a family practitioner, a chiropractor for physical therapy, and a pain management doctor who performed a bilateral lumbar medial branch block. The plaintiff's last treatment occurred about three months after the accident. The plaintiff testified that the injuries caused pain and limited participation in hobbies like fishing, gardening, and assisting with lifting heavy boxes. The plaintiff sought a total of $107,390.99 for past medical expenses, past and future physical pain, and past and future physical impairment.

The defense emphasized the delay in the plaintiff's initial treatment and noted that the plaintiff had told an investigating officer of no injury at the scene. The defense also pointed out that the plaintiff's last treatment was approximately three years before the trial. For non-economic damages, the defense argued for no future damages and contended that the amounts sought for past damages were excessive. The defense further disputed a portion of the pain management bill, asserting the plaintiff received only one injection despite being billed for two, seeking an $8,000 reduction. Plaintiff's counsel maintained that two injections, one on each side, were administered.

After a two-day trial and 30 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a 12-0 verdict, awarding the plaintiff $107,390.99. The jury's award matched the total damages sought by the plaintiff.