Sangamon County Jury Awards $1.5 Million in Red-Light Collision
One driver was attempting to turn left when the other driver struck their vehicle from behind. The driver who was hit sought medical treatment for neck, shoulder, and back pain, and an MRI revealed a lumbar disc herniation. The jury found both drivers partially at fault for the collision.
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
- $28,888
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $28,888 is near the median of $50,756 for lumbar disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $20,000 to $210,000, based on 204 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In Houston, Texas, a vehicular negligence action was filed following a rear-end collision that occurred on February 9, 2018. The plaintiff was driving on Bob White Drive and slowed to execute a left turn when the defendant's vehicle struck the rear of the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes, control vehicle speed, and keep a safe distance between vehicles.
Following the incident, the plaintiff reported neck, shoulder, and back pain, receiving chiropractic treatment and undergoing an MRI, which revealed a lumbar disc herniation. The defendant contended that the collision was caused by the plaintiff's actions or those of a third party. A jury ultimately found the defendant 60% negligent and the plaintiff 40% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $46,060 in damages, which was reduced to $28,888 to account for the comparative negligence finding.
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 Harris County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2022, 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 aligns very well with 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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