Farmers Branch Jury Awards $23,572 in Stop Sign Collision

On January 30, 2013, a two-vehicle collision occurred in Farmers Branch, Texas, at a four-way stop intersection. A defendant reportedly ran a stop sign, striking the vehicle driven by a plaintiff, a home and office cleaner. The plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries. She and a passenger, also a cleaner, subsequently sued the defendant for negligence, alleging failure to yield the right of way and maintain a proper lookout. The passenger settled before trial for an undisclosed amount. The court granted a directed verdict for the driver-plaintiff on liability.

The plaintiff alleged the accident aggravated her pre-existing neck and back conditions, which included prior chiropractic treatment and a surgical procedure 20 years earlier. Following the collision, she underwent several months of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and multiple epidural steroid injections. A pain management doctor for the plaintiff testified that the collision "broke her back," citing a change in MRI findings and asserting a need for future surgery. The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical bills, physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

The defense countered that the plaintiff's injuries were pre-existing and degenerative, unrelated to the accident, and that the vehicle impact was minor. The defense noted a 2.5-year gap in the plaintiff's treatment before trial and consistent high pain ratings both before and after the collision. A jury in Dallas County awarded the plaintiff $23,572, an amount corresponding solely to her claim for past medical bills. No other damages were awarded.