Houston Jury Awards $116,397 in Motor Vehicle Negligence
One driver was turning right on a red light and struck the side of another vehicle. The second vehicle then struck a median curb. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including disc protrusions and nerve impingement. The case proceeded to trial, with the defense stipulating to liability but challenging the extent and causation of the injuries.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $116,397
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $116,397 is above the median of $40,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $100,000, based on 250 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On July 6, 2017, in Houston, Texas, a vehicle driven by the plaintiff was struck by a vehicle operated by the defendant. The incident occurred when the defendant turned right on red onto Alief Clodine Road, colliding with the right side of the plaintiff's eastbound sedan. The plaintiff's vehicle subsequently struck a median curb.
The plaintiff, a district supervisor, filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant, alleging improper vehicle operation. The defendant stipulated to liability, but challenged the causation and extent of the claimed injuries. The plaintiff sought damages for neck and back injuries, including intervertebral disc protrusions and herniations at multiple levels. The plaintiff contended these injuries either resulted from the accident or became symptomatic due to it, and testified to persistent pain impacting daily activities and work. Following the incident, the plaintiff underwent physical therapy for nearly four months, but declined recommended epidural steroid injections.
The defense disputed the causation of the plaintiff's injuries, noting minor vehicle damage and no airbag deployment. Defense counsel questioned the extent of ongoing pain, highlighting the plaintiff's decision not to seek a second medical opinion or additional treatment in the two years leading up to trial. The defense also challenged the claim for lost wages, citing the plaintiff's salaried employment.
After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for two hours before awarding the plaintiff $116,397. Post-verdict discussions with jurors indicated that some dissenters had sought to award higher damages, and that the jury's award might have been greater had the plaintiff pursued further treatment or a second medical opinion.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 differs from typical 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.
Want to check your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped behind another vehicle when her car was hit from behind by a trailing car. The injured driver claimed injuries to her back, head, and neck, including herniated discs and nerve impingement. The defense conceded liability, and the trial focused on damages. The injured driver testified that she still experiences back pain and has difficulty lifting children, impacting her ability to work as a nanny.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver was stopped in traffic on a highway when their vehicle was struck from behind by a bus. The driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries, forcing them to change to a less physically demanding job. The bus company denied negligence. The jury found the bus company at fault.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit claimed serious injuries to their neck and back, including paralysis in one arm, requiring surgery. The other driver argued that a third vehicle caused the accident or that the injured driver's own actions contributed. The jury found the second driver fully at fault.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.