Tarrant County Jury Awards $5,720 for Medical Bills in Rear-End Collision
One driver was stopped on the road when the vehicle behind them rear-ended them. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries. They underwent chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management treatment. The defense argued the impact was minor and questioned the necessity of some treatments. The jury found the driver who caused the collision negligent and awarded damages for past medical bills.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $5,720
- County
- Tarrant County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $5,720 is near the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In October 2013, a 53-year-old disabled former construction worker was driving a full-size van on White Settlement Road in Tarrant County when his vehicle was rear-ended by a Saturn Vue. The plaintiff, who had stopped for a turning vehicle ahead, subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, control speed, and brake effectively.
The plaintiff claimed neck, back, and right shoulder sprains and strains, undergoing chiropractic care, physical therapy, and treatment from a pain management specialist, including a steroid injection. Diagnostic imaging, including MRIs, was also performed. The plaintiff sought over $23,500 for past medical bills, along with damages for past and future pain, suffering, and physical impairment. The defense largely conceded liability for the collision but argued that the impact was minor, resulting in only a small dent and scratches to the plaintiff's vehicle. An orthopedic surgeon retained by the defense submitted a report asserting that much of the plaintiff's treatment, including numerous therapy sessions and the shoulder injection, lacked medical necessity. The defense suggested an award for past medical bills only.
A jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $5,720 for past medical bills. No damages were awarded for pain, suffering, or physical impairment.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- 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 Tarrant 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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