Monroe County Jury Awards $1,571,000 in Rear-End Collision
A driver was rear-ended at a stop light and sued the other driver. The collision caused significant damage to the first driver's car and resulted in injuries to their spine. The case went to trial to determine damages, as liability was already established. The jury awarded a substantial amount for pain and suffering and medical expenses.
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
- Settlement
- Amount
- $1,571,000
- County
- Dallas County, NY
- Resolved
- 2011
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This settlement of $1,571,000 is above the median of $93,000 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $30,000 to $450,000, based on 103 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In 2009, a plaintiff was involved in a rear-end collision while driving westbound on State Route 104 in Ontario, New York. The plaintiff's vehicle was stopped at a traffic light when it was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by the defendant, who was traveling approximately 55 mph. The collision resulted in severe damage to the plaintiff's car, which was propelled across four lanes of traffic. The plaintiff reported sustaining herniations and annular tears to the L4-L5 and L5-S1 vertebral discs, which were later presented as a permanent limitation on the plaintiff's enjoyment of life.
The plaintiff filed suit in the Supreme Court of New York, Monroe County, alleging motor vehicle negligence and seeking recovery for past and future medical expenses and pain and suffering. Prior to trial, the plaintiff was granted summary judgment on the question of liability, meaning the subsequent week-long trial focused solely on damages.
During the trial, the plaintiff's treating orthopedist and pain management specialist testified to the severity and permanence of the injuries, which had been confirmed by multiple radiologists and spine surgeons after reviewing MRI and discogram studies. The defendant, however, presented an orthopedic expert who testified that the plaintiff had a healthy spine, showed no signs of injury from the accident, and that recommended spinal procedures were not medically necessary.
After hearing testimony, a jury delivered a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding a total of $1,571,000. This included $1,250,000 for past, present, and future pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, and $321,250 for past and future medical expenses. The jury's award indicated an acceptance of the plaintiff's evidence regarding the severity and causation of the injuries over the defendant's expert testimony.
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 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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2011, 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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