Houston Jury Awards $12,900,000 in Rear-End Collision
One vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, causing a chain-reaction collision. The occupants of the first vehicle sustained serious injuries. The defendants admitted fault for the crash but disputed the extent of the injuries. The jury awarded damages for pain and suffering.
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
- $12,450,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Auto/Truck Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $12,450,000 is above 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 September 21, 2012, a female driver and male passenger were in a Nissan Sentra southbound on Interstate 45 in Houston, Texas, when their vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer. The collision occurred in heavy traffic and pushed the plaintiffs' vehicle into the car ahead, causing a chain-reaction incident. The defendant tractor-trailer driver was operating the vehicle in the course and scope of employment for the defendant company.
The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant driver was negligent in failing to brake, maintain a proper lookout, control the vehicle, avoid the collision, and driving at an unsafe speed or following too closely. The plaintiffs claimed the defendant company was vicariously liable for the driver's actions. The male plaintiff passenger sustained lumbar and cervical disc issues requiring epidural steroid injections and future fusion surgery. The female plaintiff driver suffered cervical and lumbar disc bulges, headaches, and trigeminal neuralgia, necessitating two surgeries.
The defendants stipulated liability for the collision but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries. A jury heard the arguments and ultimately found in favor of the plaintiffs. The jury awarded the male plaintiff passenger $450,000 for past pain and suffering. The female plaintiff driver was awarded $4,200,000 for past pain and suffering and $7,800,000 for future pain and suffering, resulting in a total verdict of $12,450,000.
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 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 significantly deviates from 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.
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