Stafford, Texas Jury Awards $25,000 in Rear-End Collision
One driver was on a highway when another driver entered from a feeder road and struck the first driver's vehicle. The first driver claimed neck and back injuries. The second driver admitted not seeing the first driver and suggested the first driver may have been speeding. The first driver sought damages for medical bills and pain and suffering.
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
- $25,000
- County
- Fort Bend County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Lower Back, Herniated Disc, Lumbar
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $25,000 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
On August 23, 2013, a collision occurred in Stafford, Texas, when the driver of a Nissan Altima, entering a highway from a feeder road, struck the rear passenger side of a Ford F-150 pickup truck. The F-150 driver, a dry cleaning presser, subsequently sued the Altima driver, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, failing to yield, and failing to avoid the collision.
The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries, including a lumbar disc herniation and cervical and lumbar sprains. The plaintiff underwent chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management, including epidural steroid injections, and reported limitations in daily activities. The plaintiff sought $67,416 for past medical bills and additional damages for past physical pain and suffering.
While the defendant testified to not seeing the plaintiff's vehicle and suggested potential speeding by the plaintiff, the defense primarily disputed the causation of the injuries. The defense argued the plaintiff's symptoms stemmed from pre-existing conditions exacerbated by her labor-intensive work duties. The defense also noted the plaintiff's medical bills remained unpaid years after the incident. Photos showing minor damage to the plaintiff's vehicle were mentioned but not admitted into evidence during the three-day trial.
After 1.5 hours of deliberation, a jury returned a 10-2 verdict, awarding the plaintiff $25,000. The final judgment, including prejudgment interest and taxable costs, totaled $32,433.21. The defendant's insurer paid the entire amount, which included an excess over the $30,000 policy limit.
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 Fort Bend County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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 is within expected ranges
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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