Dallas County Jury Awards $243,236,248 in Product Liability Case

On October 10, 2012, a vehicular collision occurred on West 34th Street in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff was driving eastbound when she slowed for traffic, and her vehicle was struck from the rear by a defendant's vehicle. The force of the impact pushed the plaintiff's car into the automobile in front of hers. The plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit, asserting the defendant failed to maintain a proper lookout, apply brakes in a timely manner, and manage an assured clear distance. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff claimed to have suffered a blow to the head, lost consciousness, and was diagnosed with a concussion, a hematoma of the head, broken ribs, a collarbone, and a pelvis. She further alleged permanent brain injury affecting memory, balance, and causing tremors, in addition to depression. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence, contending the plaintiff caused the accident by making a right turn from a driveway into traffic and then suddenly braking. The defendant also disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries, maintaining that some were unrelated to the collision and resulted from pre-existing illness, disease, or another accident. After hearing the arguments, a jury found the defendant 100% liable for the accident. The plaintiff was awarded $70,000 in past damages.

One driver stopped their vehicle on a highway when the other driver struck them from behind at a high speed. The impact caused the driver to hit their head and briefly lose consciousness. The injured driver claimed the accident caused a brain injury, preventing them from completing college studies, and also affected their ability to care for their young son. The other driver admitted to the collision but disputed the extent and cause of the injuries.

In Dallas County, a plaintiff filed a lawsuit after experiencing neck and back injuries in a rear-end collision. The plaintiff alleged the defendant's negligence caused the incident and sought damages for physical pain, impairment, and medical expenses. Prior to trial, the parties engaged in mediation, but the case proceeded to a jury. During the trial, the plaintiff presented testimony from an orthopedic medical expert regarding the injuries sustained. The defendant did not present any expert testimony. The jury ultimately returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded total damages of $7,131. This amount included $1,000 for past physical pain and suffering, $2,000 for past physical impairment, and $4,131 for past medical care. The jury awarded no damages for future pain and suffering, future physical impairment, or past and future mental anguish.

On July 9, 2013, a vehicle operated by the defendant allegedly rear-ended a car driven by the plaintiff. The plaintiff claimed the defendant negligently failed to yield and ran a red light, sustaining personal injuries in the incident. On April 8, 2014, the plaintiff filed a negligence petition for damages against the defendant in the District Court, 44th District Court, Dallas County, Texas. On February 10, 2015, the parties informed the court they had reached a settlement. The agreement provided that the plaintiff would accept $7,100 to resolve all claims. An agreed order of dismissal with prejudice was entered on February 20, 2015.

On September 19, 2013, a front-seat passenger in a sedan was injured when the vehicle was rear-ended by a 15-passenger van on Interstate 37 Frontage Road in Corpus Christi, Texas. The plaintiff, a carpenter, subsequently filed a lawsuit against the van driver and the driver's employer, alleging vehicular negligence and claiming the collision aggravated a pre-existing back injury. The plaintiff reported immediate back pain that worsened the following day, leading to an emergency room visit. An orthopedic surgeon later confirmed the collision aggravated a pre-existing degenerative disc disease. The plaintiff, who had a non-debilitating history of back pain, underwent physical therapy, steroid injections, and ultimately a two-level lumbar fusion. Treating physicians testified the collision necessitated surgery and affected his ability to perform manual labor. The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and mental anguish. While the defendants did not dispute negligence for the collision, they contested causation and the extent of injury. The defense argued the impact was minor, noting the police report indicated no immediate injuries and the van was traveling at low speed. Defense experts opined the plaintiff's back problems were attributable to his pre-existing degenerative condition, not the accident, and that he would sustain no wage loss. Following a five-day trial, the jury found the defendant driver negligent and determined his negligence was a factual cause of the plaintiff's injuries. The jury awarded the plaintiff $563,003 in damages. The court subsequently added $32,257.69 for pre-judgment interest and court costs, resulting in a total judgment of $595,360.46 for the plaintiff.