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One driver was heading east and stopped at an intersection. Another driver was heading south, entered the intersection, struck a westbound vehicle, and then struck the plaintiffs' car and another vehicle. The impact pushed the plaintiffs' car into the other vehicle. The police report indicated the southbound driver ran a red light. The driver who ran the red light claimed his light was yellow. The injured driver claimed a lower back injury, including aggravation of a pre-existing condition, a herniated disc, and neck and back sprains. He also claimed lacerations and headaches from being thrown into his rear-view mirror. His son claimed leg pain that resolved without treatment. The injured driver underwent treatment for his back, including injections, and was recommended surgery. He testified he can no longer sit or stand for long periods and cannot participate in certain activities. The defense argued the lower back problems were pre-existing and questioned the plaintiff's testimony about prior treatments.
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
- $650,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Lumbar Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $650,000 is above 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 February 23, 2013, a traffic collision occurred in Harris County when a defendant, driving a sport utility vehicle, entered an intersection and struck a westbound vehicle before colliding with a sedan occupied by a plaintiff and his son. The sedan was stopped at a red light on Farm to Market Road 529 at Queenston Boulevard. The police report indicated the defendant ran a red light.
The plaintiffs subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence, including running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, failing to keep a proper lookout, and failing to control speed. The adult plaintiff claimed lower back injuries, including the aggravation of a pre-existing condition, requiring multiple epidural steroid injections and leading to a recommendation for surgery. The child plaintiff claimed minor leg pain that resolved without treatment. The defense contended that the defendant's light was yellow when he entered the intersection and argued that the adult plaintiff's lower back issues were pre-existing. The defense also disputed the adult plaintiff's account of his prior medical treatments. Evidence regarding the defendant's liability insurance was admitted during the trial over a defense objection.
After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for three hours. The jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the adult plaintiff $650,000 in damages. The child plaintiff received no award.
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 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 differs from typical similar cases
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