Maryland Jury Awards $7,483,254 in Rear-Side Collision
One driver was going towards a gas pump when the other driver struck the rear quarter panel of their vehicle. The injured driver claimed to have suffered a herniated disc in their lower back and an aggravation of a pre-existing condition in their neck. They underwent surgery and revision, but continued to experience pain and were unable to work. The jury found the defendant driver 100% liable.
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
- $7,483,254
- County
- Prince George's County, MD
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Broadside Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $7,483,254 is above the median of $60,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $229,900, based on 396 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A driver filed a motor vehicle negligence lawsuit in Maryland after a rear-side collision at a gas station. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant driver, while leaving a pump, struck the plaintiff's vehicle as the plaintiff drove towards another pump. The plaintiff claimed to have attempted to accelerate to avoid the impact.
The plaintiff contended the collision resulted in a herniated disc at L5-S1 and aggravated previously asymptomatic degenerative disc disease in both the lumbar and cervical spine. The plaintiff underwent an initial lumbar fusion, which later required a revision, both of which were unsuccessful. The plaintiff, a supervisor for a construction materials company, asserted permanent pain, extensive future medical costs, and an inability to return to work.
The defendant's biomechanical expert testified that the impact forces were insufficient to cause the claimed injuries. The plaintiff countered that the force of an impact does not necessarily correlate with the severity of injuries, especially for individuals with previously asymptomatic degenerative disc disease that could increase susceptibility.
The jury found the defendant 100% liable and awarded the plaintiff $7,483,254. This included $373,840 for past medical bills, $1,225,890 for future medical bills, $525,140 for past lost earnings, $2,878,384 for future lost earnings, and $2,500,000 for non-economic damages. The non-economic damages portion of the award was subject to the Maryland cap of $800,000. The defendant subsequently filed an appeal.
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 Prince George's County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, 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 significantly deviates from similar cases
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