Houston Jury Awards $410,629 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was test driving a repaired car when another driver rear-ended them. The driver who was hit claimed a neck injury and underwent two surgeries. The jury awarded damages for medical bills, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and impairment.
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
- $410,629
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $410,629 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
In July 2011, a 37-year-old mechanic for a Lexus dealership was test-driving a repaired sedan eastbound on Interstate 10 in Houston when a defendant driving a Cadillac Escalade rear-ended his vehicle. The defendant admitted to taking her eyes off the road momentarily, causing her to collide with the plaintiff's slowing traffic. The plaintiff reported a neck injury and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging negligence, including failure to maintain a proper lookout, following too closely, and failure to control speed or brake to avoid the accident. The defense stipulated to liability for the collision.
The plaintiff claimed the accident caused a herniated disc at C6-7, leading to two surgical procedures: a cervical laminectomy in May 2012 and an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in March 2015. He also underwent emergency room treatment, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. The plaintiff testified to persistent pain, an inability to lift more than 20 pounds, reduced capacity for work and recreational activities, and missed work time post-accident and after each surgery, as well as surgical scars. He sought over $55,000 in past medical bills, along with damages for past lost earning capacity, pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and physical impairment. Plaintiff's counsel requested an award totaling approximately $800,000.
The defense acknowledged liability for the accident but disputed the causation of the second surgery, suggesting it was unrelated to the collision due to the time gap between procedures and attributing it to the plaintiff's continued soccer activities or age. Defense counsel suggested an award of about $100,000. After a two-day trial and four hours of deliberation, the 12-member jury, composed of four men and eight women, returned a unanimous verdict, awarding the plaintiff $410,629. The award included $55,629 for past medical costs, $10,000 for past physical impairment, $40,000 for future physical impairment, $75,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish, $200,000 for future physical pain and mental anguish, and $30,000 for past lost earning capacity.
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 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
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.
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.
One driver was traveling on a freeway when their car was struck from behind by a box truck. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back and neck. The responding officer believed the truck driver failed to control speed, but also faulted the other driver for an unsafe lane change. The truck driver claimed the other driver suddenly moved into their path. The jury found both drivers equally liable for the accident.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.