New Orleans Jury Awards $1,241,773 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped at a red light when another driver rear-ended him. The driver who caused the crash had a high blood alcohol content and claimed to have no memory of the collision. The injured driver sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. The injured driver sued the at-fault driver and the car manufacturer, alleging the driver's seat was defectively designed. The jury found the car manufacturer not liable and the at-fault driver 100% responsible for the injuries.
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-Defense
- Amount
- $1,241,771
- County
- Dallas County, MS
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Head/Brain Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-defense of $1,241,771 is above the median of Undisclosed for head/brain injury cases resolved by verdict-defense. The typical range is Undisclosed to Undisclosed, based on 28 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A plaintiff suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and permanent disability after a rear-end collision in New Orleans on February 5, 2011. The plaintiff, stopped at a red light, was struck by a truck driven by a defendant who later pleaded guilty to a fourth offense DWI. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the driver for negligence and against Ford Motor Company, alleging a defectively designed driver's seat in the 2005 Ford Focus contributed to the severe injuries.
The plaintiff argued the seat's inadequate strength caused the permanent disability, claiming a stronger design would have prevented severe injuries in an impact estimated at 36-44 mph, and sought substantial damages primarily from Ford. Ford countered that the crash was exceptionally severe, with an expert estimating impact at 50-60 mph, exceeding 97.7% of rear-end collisions. Ford defended its seat design as safe, arguing a more rigid design could pose other risks, and disputed the plaintiff's high damage claims.
After a two-week trial in New Orleans, the jury exonerated Ford Motor Company, finding the Ford Focus was not unreasonably dangerous. The jury concluded the defendant driver was negligent and 100% at fault for the plaintiff's injuries. The plaintiff was awarded $441,773 for past medical expenses, $300,000 for future medical expenses, and $500,000 for various non-economic damages, totaling $1,241,773. A judgment was entered against the defendant driver.
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 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
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.
Want to understand your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver stopped in traffic due to construction. The other driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle. The injured driver claimed ankle and back injuries. The defense argued the accident was unavoidable or that the driver acted as an ordinary and prudent driver. The jury found the second driver liable but awarded no damages.
One driver stopped their vehicle on a highway when the other driver struck them from behind at a high speed. The impact caused the driver to hit their head and briefly lose consciousness. The injured driver claimed the accident caused a brain injury, preventing them from completing college studies, and also affected their ability to care for their young son. The other driver admitted to the collision but disputed the extent and cause of the injuries.
One driver was slowing down in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another car. The driver who was hit claimed injuries to their back, head, and neck. The other driver's insurance paid some of its policy limit. The injured driver then sued their own insurance company for underinsured motorist benefits, claiming their damages exceeded the amount recovered. The defense conceded fault for the accident, and the trial focused on the extent of the injuries.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver sued another for failing to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision. The defendant claimed the plaintiff was also at fault. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. The minor passenger complained of neck, mid-back, and rib pain, diagnosed as muscle sprain and cervicalgia. Further treatment included visits for headaches and pain in the neck and upper back.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.