Houston Jury Awards $2,250 in Collision with Split Liability
One driver was operating a bus when the other driver merged into the intersection and struck the bus. The bus driver stated the other driver was negligent. The other driver claimed the bus driver violated their right-of-way. The collision caused injuries to the bus driver's neck and spine, requiring surgery. The jury found the second driver mostly at fault for the accident.
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
- $3,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Auto/Bus Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $3,000 is below 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 October 2, 2012, a 51-year-old bus driver was operating a bus westbound on Old Katy Highway in Houston, Texas, when it was struck on the driver's side by another vehicle pulling out of an intersecting road. The plaintiff alleged the impact caused a sudden movement, resulting in a "pop" sensation in his lower neck and shoulder area. He later claimed injuries including a labral tear requiring arthroscopic surgery and disc injuries to the cervical spine.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant was negligent by failing to pay attention, yield the right-of-way, maintain a proper lookout, and merge safely into traffic. The defendant denied these allegations, asserting that the plaintiff violated the defendant's right-of-way, which caused the collision. The defendant further contended that the plaintiff's ongoing cervical condition was degenerative and not related to the accident.
Following a trial, a jury determined the defendant was 75% liable for the accident and the plaintiff was 25% liable. The jury awarded the plaintiff $2,000 for past mental anguish and $1,000 for past physical impairment, totaling $3,000. This award was subsequently reduced to $2,250 to account for the plaintiff's comparative negligence.
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 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 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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