Jury Awards $1,500 in Rear-End Collision, Finds No Gross Negligence
One driver rear-ended another vehicle. The case involved a retrial. No medical records were submitted. Liability was agreed upon. The jury awarded $1,500 for past physical pain.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Spinal Cord Injury Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic outcomes of car accidents, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical care and significantly impact quality of life.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $1,500
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This settlement of $1,500 is below the median of $30,000,000 for spinal cord injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $1,600,000 to $140,000,000, based on 8 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging injuries from a rear-end collision after a previous trial. Liability for the incident was stipulated, with the retrial focusing on damages for claimed injuries, including a bruised spinal cord and cervical strain, and allegations of gross negligence.
During the trial, the plaintiff presented testimony from a chiropractor. However, no medical records related to the plaintiff's injuries were submitted as evidence. The defendant did not call any expert witnesses.
A jury subsequently returned a unanimous verdict, awarding the plaintiff $1,500 for past physical pain. The jury awarded no damages for past or future mental anguish, past or future physical impairment, or future medical care. Additionally, the jury found the defendant was not grossly negligent.
Understanding This Case
- Spinal cord injuries are typically permanent, though some incomplete injuries may see partial recovery. Life expectancy may be reduced, and quality of life is significantly impacted.
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Dallas 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
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