Katy Jury Awards $171,900 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped in heavy traffic when the other driver rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed injuries to their lower back. The injured driver was diagnosed with disc herniations and radiculopathy, requiring physical therapy and pain management. The defense argued the injuries were pre-existing.
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
- $171,900
- County
- Fort Bend County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $171,900 is near 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 July 10, 2012, a rear-end collision occurred on Westheimer Parkway in Katy, Texas, when the plaintiff's vehicle, stopped in heavy traffic, was struck by a vehicle operated by the defendant. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained lower back injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant’s negligence in operating the vehicle.
The plaintiff presented evidence, including an official police accident report, which noted the defendant’s admission of responsibility for the collision and the plaintiff's complaint of back pain at the scene. Diagnostic testing revealed disc herniations at L4-5 and L5-S1 with right-sided lumbar radiculopathy, leading to treatment with physical therapy, pain management, and epidural steroid injections. The plaintiff's treating orthopedic surgeon testified that these injuries were causally related to the collision and would require future lumbar fusion and discectomy procedures. Conversely, the defense denied liability, arguing the plaintiff had stopped abruptly. The defense also disputed the nature of the plaintiff's injuries, contending that the disc herniations were pre-existing and degenerative, and that the long-term medical treatment and future surgery were unnecessary.
After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for 90 minutes. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $171,900 in damages for personal injury claims, including past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost earnings capability.
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 Fort Bend 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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