Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $19,552 in Motor Vehicle Negligence
One driver rear-ended another vehicle. The injured driver claimed soft tissue injuries to their back and neck, and stated they could no longer work due to pain. The other driver argued the injuries were not significant. A jury found the first driver negligent and awarded damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $19,552
- County
- Denton County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $19,552 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A motor vehicle negligence case proceeded to trial after the defendant stipulated liability for the underlying accident. The plaintiff, a warehouse worker in his late 50s, alleged that he sustained soft tissue lumbar sprains and strains, along with resolving whiplash injuries to his neck. He contended these injuries prevented him from adequately performing his job, leading to unemployment and subsequent failed attempts to return to work due to severe lower back pain.
The defendant disputed the plaintiff's claims of significant injuries. While the plaintiff initially claimed a lumbar herniation, the defendant presented evidence of a negative MRI of the lower back. The plaintiff countered this evidence by suggesting the MRI result was a false negative. After hearing the arguments, a jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $19,552 in damages.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- 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 Denton County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2021, 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 is within expected ranges
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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