Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $34,210.28 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a stoplight when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including herniated discs. The defense argued the accident was minor and the injuries were not as severe as claimed. The jury found the at-fault driver negligent and awarded damages.
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
- $34,210
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $34,210 is near 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 August 24, 2016, a warehouse worker and restaurant server was involved in a rear-end collision in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff, stopped at a traffic light, was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by the defendant. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit claiming neck and back injuries, including herniated discs, alleging the defendant was negligent in operating their vehicle by failing to keep a proper lookout and control speed.
The plaintiff underwent physical therapy and presented an MRI showing cervical herniations, claiming ongoing pain and painful daily walks due to a lack of a vehicle. While the defendant acknowledged fault for the collision, the defense argued the conduct did not constitute negligence, suggesting the incident was "just an accident" with a minimal impact. Defense counsel noted photographs showed little damage to the plaintiff's older model vehicle, disputed the necessity and cost of treatment, and contended any injuries were minor sprains or strains that should have resolved. The defense also highlighted the plaintiff had not sought treatment for two years by trial. The plaintiff sought approximately $117,000 in total damages across seven categories.
After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for one hour. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $34,210.28. The damages included $16,710.28 for past medical expenses, $5,000 for past physical pain, $2,500 for future physical pain, $5,000 for past mental anguish, $2,500 for past physical impairment, and $2,500 for future physical impairment.
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 aligns very well with similar cases
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