Texas Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $19,000 in Rear-End Collision
A driver was traveling northbound when the other driver struck their vehicle from behind. The first driver alleged this caused serious disc injuries to their neck and back. The second driver denied negligence and claimed the injuries were not serious or permanent. The jury found the second driver negligent and awarded damages for past medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Cervical Disc Injury Injuries
Cervical disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck region (C1-C7). These injuries can include herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration accelerated by trauma.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $19,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Rear End Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $19,000 is near the median of $42,976 for cervical disc injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $18,000 to $139,701, based on 382 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A personal injury lawsuit stemmed from a rear-end collision that occurred on January 10, 2017. The 70-year-old plaintiff was driving northbound on 2900 South Kirkwood when the defendant’s vehicle struck the rear of her car. The plaintiff alleged the incident caused multiple disc herniations in her neck and back, along with sprains and strains, and filed a claim asserting the defendant's negligence.
The plaintiff contended the defendant was negligent for failing to keep a proper lookout, maintain a safe speed and distance, and timely apply the brakes. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence and disputed that the plaintiff sustained any serious or permanent injuries from the collision. A jury ultimately found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $19,000. This total included $11,000 for past medical expenses, $6,000 for past pain and suffering, and $2,000 for future pain and suffering.
Understanding This Case
- Many cervical disc injuries improve with conservative treatment. However, about 30% of cases may require surgical intervention, with varying degrees of permanent impairment.
- 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 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
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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