Houston Jury Awards $20,558 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was traveling north on a highway when they were involved in a three-vehicle rear-end collision. The injured driver claimed injuries to their neck and back, including herniated discs. The case involved claims of negligence against one of the other drivers, with a defense argument of comparative negligence. The jury awarded damages, but the amount was reduced due to comparative negligence.
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
- $41,116
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $41,116 is near 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 Feb. 3, 2017, a three-vehicle rear-end collision occurred on the 610 West Loop in Houston, near the Highway 290 ramp. The plaintiff, a 52-year-old truck driver, was operating the lead vehicle, with the defendant's SUV in the rear position. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence in operating her vehicle. Initial claims against the vehicle owner were nonsuited before trial, and claims against the plaintiff's underinsured motorist carrier were severed.
The plaintiff claimed the defendant rear-ended the middle vehicle, pushing it into the plaintiff's SUV, which caused neck and back injuries, including herniated discs. The plaintiff sought compensation for past medical expenses totaling $32,900, $8,216 for past loss of earning capacity, and unspecified damages for pain and suffering. A pain management doctor testified that the injuries were a direct result of the accident.
The defendant countered that the middle vehicle struck the plaintiff's SUV first, before the defendant's vehicle impacted the middle one. The defense designated the middle driver as a responsible third party, arguing that this driver was solely negligent. The defense also contended that the plaintiff's medical treatment was attorney-referred, and presented photographs showing no significant damage to the plaintiff's or the middle vehicle.
After a one-day trial and 3.5 hours of deliberation, a jury found both the defendant and the responsible third party 50% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $41,116 in total damages. However, due to the comparative negligence finding, the net award to the plaintiff was reduced to $20,558.
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 2022, 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 aligns very well with similar cases
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