Houston Jury Awards $14,340 in Underinsured Motorist Claim
One driver was stopped in traffic when another driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed the accident caused serious injuries to their neck and back discs. The case involved a dispute over underinsured motorist benefits after an initial settlement with the at-fault driver.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $14,340
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Insurance Obligation, Vehicle negligence, Business negligence, Insurance obligation
Settlement Context
This settlement of $14,340 is below the median of $75,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $20,261 to $300,000, based on 119 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In September 2012, a plaintiff was driving on Katy Highway in Houston, Texas, when his vehicle was rear-ended after he slowed for traffic. The plaintiff alleged the at-fault driver was negligent, causing him serious injuries to the discs of his cervical and lumbar spine. The plaintiff subsequently settled with the at-fault driver for the driver's insurance policy limit of $30,000.
Following the initial settlement, the plaintiff sought underinsured motorist benefits from his own insurance provider, the defendant insurer, arguing that the $30,000 did not fully cover his damages. The defendant insurer denied the claim, maintaining that the settlement amount adequately compensated the plaintiff.
A jury ultimately determined that the plaintiff was entitled to additional compensation. The jury awarded the plaintiff $11,840 for past medical expenses and $2,500 for past pain and suffering.
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 was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- 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 2016, 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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