Katy Jury Awards $1.07M in Red-Light Collision
One driver allegedly ran a red light and hit another vehicle on its side. The injured driver claimed the collision caused permanent injuries to their lower back and hips, leading to pain, stiffness, and inability to work. The jury awarded past and future damages.
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
- $1,070,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Intersection Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,070,000 is above 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 August 16, 2012, a motor vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Fry Road and Morton Road in Katy, Texas. The plaintiff, a 48-year-old male, was driving northbound on Fry Road when the defendant, traveling eastbound on Morton Road, reportedly disregarded a red light and struck the plaintiff's vehicle on the passenger side. The plaintiff alleged the defendant's negligence included failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to stop for the red light.
The plaintiff claimed the accident resulted in severe and permanent injuries to his lumbar spine and hips, causing pain, stiffness, and alleged disability from work. He reported undergoing steroid injections without significant relief and anticipated requiring future surgery. His vehicle was declared a total loss.
While the defendant stipulated liability for causing the collision, the defendant disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff's injuries, arguing they were degenerative and unrelated to the incident. The defendant also denied that the plaintiff was no longer employable due to the claimed injuries. Following a trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $545,000 for past damages and $525,000 for future damages.
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 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
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
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