Mayfield Jury Awards $63,985 in DWI Rear-End Collision
A drunk driver rear-ended a vehicle carrying two passengers in Mayfield. The collision caused moderate damage, and both passengers claimed to have lost consciousness. They subsequently treated for traumatic brain injuries, with medical evidence including MRIs and EEGs supporting their claims. Witnesses also reported significant changes in their behavior and cognitive abilities after the crash, leading them to move in with relatives. The defense contested the brain injury diagnosis, suggesting alternative explanations for the medical findings and questioning the severity of the reported symptoms.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Head/Brain Injury Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Car accidents are a leading cause of TBI, with effects ranging from temporary symptoms to permanent cognitive impairment.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $38,390
- County
- Dallas County, KY
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Head/Brain Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $38,390 is below the median of $671,000 for head/brain injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $90,000 to $6,000,000, based on 61 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On November 4, 2012, a rear-end collision occurred on Broadway at 15th Street in Mayfield. A defendant driving a van struck the rear of a Nissan sedan carrying two rear-seat passengers, the plaintiffs. The defendant's blood alcohol content was later determined to be .12, and the defendant subsequently admitted fault for the collision. The sedan's trunk absorbed the impact of the moderate crash.
The plaintiffs, a 52-year-old and a 37-year-old, alleged they sustained traumatic brain injuries and experienced loss of consciousness, leading to significant changes in their lives. They sought medical expenses, substantial damages for pain and suffering, and punitive damages predicated on the defendant's intoxication. Medical experts, including a neuropsychologist and a neurologist, confirmed the injuries, with MRIs identifying brain lesions and an EEG indicating contrecoup injuries. Witnesses also testified about the plaintiffs' altered conditions following the incident.
The defense contested the severity and causation of the claimed injuries. Defense experts included a radiologist who suggested the brain lesions could be attributed to hypertension and smoking, noting the absence of hemosiderin. A neuropsychiatrist observed inconsistencies in the plaintiffs' worsening condition over time, suggesting potential over-reporting of symptoms. An orthopedist further attributed one plaintiff's neck and back pain to degenerative conditions, rather than the collision.
After a jury trial focused solely on damages, the jury awarded the first plaintiff $3,390 for medical expenses, $20,000 for pain and suffering, and $15,000 in punitive damages. The second plaintiff received $3,095 for medical expenses, $7,500 for pain and suffering, and $15,000 in punitive damages. The verdicts, totaling $38,390 and $25,595 respectively, were considerably less than the plaintiffs' demands for pain and suffering, indicating the jury likely weighed the defense's expert testimony regarding the extent of injuries.
Understanding This Case
- Most mild TBIs resolve within weeks to months. Moderate to severe TBI often results in permanent impairment affecting cognition, behavior, and physical function.
- 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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, 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
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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