Houston Jury Concludes Rear-End Collision with $36,748 Award
One driver stopped at a traffic signal was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed injuries to their neck and back, including disc injuries. The passenger also claimed injuries to their neck and back discs. The driver who was hit from behind was awarded damages for medical costs and pain and suffering. The passenger was also awarded damages for medical costs and 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
- $36,748
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $36,748 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 February 24, 2016, in Houston, Texas, a vehicle occupied by a driver and a front-seat passenger was struck from behind while stopped at a traffic signal on Wallisville Road. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant’s negligence caused the collision and their resulting neck and back injuries.
The plaintiffs claimed the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, maintain a safe distance, control vehicle speed, and avoid the collision. The plaintiff driver reported disc injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine, requiring specialist treatment. The plaintiff passenger sustained cervical and lumbar disc injuries. The defendant stipulated liability for the crash but disputed that the plaintiffs sustained any serious or permanent injuries as a result of the incident.
The court ultimately found in favor of the plaintiffs. The plaintiff driver received $14,149 for past medical costs and $15,000 for past and future pain and suffering. The plaintiff passenger was awarded $2,599 for past medical expenses and $5,000 for past and future pain and suffering.
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 aligns very well with 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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