Texas Jury Awards $204,333 in Rear-End Collision
One driver stopped at a traffic light and was hit from behind by another vehicle. The person in the stopped car claimed injuries to their neck and lower back, which were confirmed by an MRI. They underwent chiropractic care and were recommended injections, which they were hesitant to receive. The jury awarded damages for past and future medical bills, physical impairment, 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
- $204,223
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
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 $204,223 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
A front-seat passenger filed a motor vehicle negligence lawsuit after the host vehicle was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light. The plaintiff alleged the collision caused two cervical and two lumbar herniations, confirmed by MRI, and sought compensation for ongoing and future damages.
The plaintiff underwent several months of chiropractic care, and epidural steroid injections were recommended, though the plaintiff expressed a desire to avoid them. No evidence indicated a need for surgery. The plaintiff claimed the pain affected their ability to consummate their marriage three months after the accident and continued to cause marital difficulties. A life care planning expert testified that future care, including injections, medications, and physician visits, would cost between $88,000 and $141,000. The defendant denied the plaintiff's claims, arguing for minimal impact and limited treatment. The court granted the plaintiff's motion for a directed verdict on liability and precluded the defendant from introducing vehicle photographs without accident reconstruction or biomechanical testimony.
A jury ultimately awarded the plaintiff $204,333. The award included $16,235 for past medical bills, $88,000 for future medical bills, $6,000 for past physical impairment, $44,000 for future physical impairment, $6,000 for past physical pain and suffering, and $44,000 for future physical pain and suffering.
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 Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, 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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