Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Rear-End Crash, Awards $48,862
One driver was stopped waiting to make a left turn when their vehicle was hit from behind by another driver. The collision caused injuries to the neck and back. The jury found the second driver at fault for the crash and awarded damages for medical expenses 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
- $48,862
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
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 $48,862 is near the median of $60,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $229,900, based on 396 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On November 10, 2014, in Houston, Texas, a plaintiff's vehicle was struck from behind by a defendant's vehicle while stopped and waiting to make a left turn onto Clearwood Drive. Both parties were reportedly attempting to maneuver around an existing accident ahead. The plaintiff subsequently alleged permanent neck and back injuries, including cervical and lumbar disc herniations and protrusions, and radiculopathy, which required epidural steroid injections.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence, citing failures in lookout, speed control, braking, and general care. The defendant denied these allegations, contending that the plaintiff's abrupt left turn caused the collision. The defendant further argued that the plaintiff's injuries were degenerative and unrelated to the accident.
A jury ultimately found the defendant negligent and determined this negligence factually caused harm to the plaintiff. The plaintiff received an award of $28,862 for past medical expenses, $10,000 for past pain and suffering, and $10,000 for 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 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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