La Porte, Texas Rear-End Collision Settles for $1.3 Million
One driver was rear-ended by another vehicle while stopped on the road. The impact caused the passenger in the first vehicle to hit his head. The injured person claimed injuries to his head, neck, and lower back. He underwent physical therapy, pain management, and two surgeries. He was unable to return to his previous job as a welder.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $1,300,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $1,300,000 is above the median of $133,000 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $32,080 to $729,994, based on 45 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On April 27, 2014, a plaintiff, who was a welder, sustained injuries when the vehicle in which he was a back seat passenger was rear-ended on Sens Road in La Porte, Texas. The incident occurred when a vehicle operated by an employee defendant, acting within the scope of employment, struck the plaintiff’s vehicle. The force of the impact caused the plaintiff to hit his head. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the driver was negligent for operating the vehicle at an excessive speed, leading to the collision. The employer was also named as a defendant under vicarious liability.
The plaintiff was transported to an emergency room in Houston for scalp lacerations. He was later diagnosed with cervical and lumbar disc herniations, spinal cord compression, and radiculopathy. The plaintiff underwent extensive treatment, including physical therapy, pain management, steroid injections, and two surgical procedures for his cervical and lumbar spine. Due to chronic pain, the plaintiff claimed he was unable to return to work as a welder, seeking damages for past and future lost earnings, along with past and future medical expenses.
Defense counsel for the driver and employer did not actively dispute liability, with the driver admitting fault in deposition testimony. The defense also did not actively dispute the plaintiff's claimed damages. The parties reached a pre-trial settlement of $1.3 million. The settlement was funded from the employer's primary and excess insurance policies.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 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
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