Car Accidents
Our Maryland injury lawyers handle spinal cord neck injuries. We define spinal cord injuries as those neck injuries involving a fracture or broken vertebrae or an injury to one of the spinal discs in the neck or back. On this page, we will look at spinal cord injuries in accident cases and their potential settlement value.
Vertebrae Injuries
The spinal cord was built to withstand severe impact. You rarely see a clean vertebrae break in a car or truck accident and, when it does, you likely have a wrongful death case as opposed to a client with a spinal injury. More typically, our lawyers are dealing with a spinal cord injury that results in a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae in the neck.
Typically, the injury puts pressure on the nerves that run along the spinal cord that send messages to the brain, causing myelopathy or damage to the nerve roots that send messages to the brain.
Approximately one-fourth of spinal cord injuries result from car, truck or motorcycle accidents. The most common spinal cord injury in motor vehicle accidents come from, in this order, (1) rear end accidents, (2) truck accidents, and (3) pedestrian accidents. The most common spinal injury cases our attorneys see – and the most common in car accidents – are back injuries.
What Is a Spinal Disc Case Worth By Settlement or Trial?
Spinal cord injuries vary wildly in severity and jury verdicts vary accordingly. One study indicates that 16% of the verdicts in spinal disc injury lawsuits exceed $1 million and 7% exceed $2.5 million. But there are also a lot of spinal cord injury accident cases in between. The median jury verdict in a coccyx or sacrum fracture case is only $68,000. In cases with multiple vertebrae fractures, the median verdict is $207,129. The reality is that these spinal cord injury settlement statistics, while interesting for lawyers, tell us little about individual spinal injury cases.
Herniated Disc Injuries
Spinal discs are the cushions in between the vertebrae of the spinal column. These discs cushion the vertebrae. Undoubtedly, these discs degenerate over time. Spinal discs are filled with fluid and have an external shell.
Our lawyers explain disc injuries to the jury like this. Discs are like jelly donuts. But when a disc is damaged, the donut may either bulge or break open. This is a herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc). So if a disc is damaged in a car accident, the fluid may leak which makes for a compromised cushion between the vertebrae. If the inner core of the disc spills out on a nerve root (nerves are running down the spine), it is going to cause pain – sometimes awful debilitating pain – that travels throughout the body.
The path of radiating pain depends on where the disc herniation occurs. When a patient has a symptomatic herniated disc, the pain is not in the disc area; rather, the disc herniation is pinching a nerve in the spine that causes ‘radicular’ pain. This radicular pain is typically described as a pain that shoots through the body, usually to one area in particular, since each nerve in the spine is connected to a specific area of the body. This pain can be nerve root pain, leg pain if the herniation is in the lumbar (back), or arm pain from a cervical (neck) herniated disc.
A vertebrae injury is often easy to diagnose. Herniated discs are more difficult. This is because the disc is invisible on an x-ray. Naturally, then, herniated discs are rarely diagnosed in the emergency room after an auto accident. Accordingly, patients almost invariably need a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm a herniated disc injury. A discography, myelography, or an electromyography are also used to diagnose herniated discs.
What Are Expected Settlement Amounts in a Herniated Disc Lawsuit?
Our Maryland spinal cord injury lawyers have successfully tried spinal cord injury lawsuit and have received national exposure for our jury verdicts in these cases. So our attorneys get a lot of call from victims. What victims want to know first is what settlement amount or jury payout they can expect after a car or truck accident.
The answer is, even more so than with spinal cord injuries that involve a fracture or dislocation, the value of herniated disc injuries depends on the injury. Some herniated disc injuries do not cause significant permanent damage. But many leave a patient in constant pain for the rest of their lives.
- Sample herniated disc injury verdicts and settlements
- Get a sample settlement demand letter
Examples of Spinal Injury Verdicts and Settlements Amounts
Of course, herniated discs are just one type of spinal injury. Here are a few sample verdicts that underscore just how much the value spinal injury cases may vary:
- June 2024, Iowa: $6,000 Verdict: The plaintiff was rear-ended while slowing down to turn into a parking lot. She alleged permanent spinal injuries requiring periodic radiofrequency ambulation and chiropractic adjustments. The jury clearly wasn’t buying the alleged permanency based on the small verdict. Claiming medical expenses for “chiropractic treatment” is usually not the hallmark of a strong case.
- May 2024, Nevada: $20,000 Verdict: The plaintiff was rear-ended by the defendant in a low-speed collision at a red light. The plaintiff allegedly suffered spinal injuries in the accident and sought over $450,000 in medical expenses. Liability was admitted by the defendant took the case to trial on damages. The verdict was clearly a victory for the defendant.
- April 2024, Georgia: $225,000 Verdict: The plaintiff was driving when his vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by the defendant. The plaintiff claimed to suffer spinal injuries, requiring epidural steroid injections to his cervical and lumbar spine, left L3-L4 medial branch blocks, L4-L5 hemilaminectomy and microdiscectomy, and L4-L5 decompression with fixation and fusion. The plaintiff sought damages, including $142,250 for past medical expenses and over $180,000 in future medical expenses, but the jury awarded much less.
- August 2023, New York: $250,000 Verdict: The accident occurred when both vehicles were turning onto the same street from opposite directions. The plaintiff claimed the defendant made an illegal left turn at the intersection, colliding with the plaintiff’s vehicle which was making a legal right turn. The plaintiff claimed he suffered unspecified neurological and spinal injuries as well as severe limitation in his cervical and lumbar ranges of motion as a result of the impact.
- November 2021, Louisiana: $191,674 Verdict: A man was rear-ended by a truck. He suffered C5-6 and L4-5 stenosis, lumbar facet joint syndrome, left hip arthropathy, neck and groin pain, and muscle spasms. The man developed emotional distress. He alleged that the truck driver’s negligence caused severe injuries. The man claimed he negligently tailgated him and drove while distracted. He received a $191,674 jury verdict.
- October 2021, Florida $3,000,000 Settlement: A U.S. Postal Service carrier suffered a severe spinal cord injury when her mail truck, stopped for delivery, was rear-ended by a speeding pickup truck, causing her vehicle to flip. The collision resulted in significant and life-altering injuries for the carrier, including a broken spine that led to continuous pain and disability. The case, which centered around the victim’s spinal injury and the impact on her life, was settled for $3 million.
- May 2021, Texas: $540,142 Verdict: Two men were sideswiped by a mail truck. They suffered leg contusions and lumbar herniations. One of the men underwent a laminectomy and a discectomy, while the other only underwent steroid and epidural injections. The two alleged negligence against the federal government. They claimed that the post office employee failed to yield the right-of-way, maintain an appropriate lookout, and timely brake her vehicle. The two men’s verdict totaled $540,142.
- April 2021, Washington: $165,000 Settlement: A 50-something woman was T-boned. She suffered an L3-4 herniation, L3-4 and L4-5 stenosis and encroachment, a lumbar strain, a left hip strain, and a right ankle strain. The woman underwent two years of medical treatments. She alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. The woman claimed he made a negligent left turn and failed to yield the right-of-way. This case settled for $165,000.
- May 2020, California: $1,250,000 Settlement: A man was broadsided at an intersection. He suffered a sternum fracture, an L5-S1 herniation, cervical herniations, and bilateral shoulder impingement. The man underwent a lumbar fusion and a cervical discectomy. He alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. The man claimed he made an illegal left turn, failed to yield the right-of-way, and failed to maintain an appropriate lookout. This case settled for $1,250,000.
- January 2020, Maryland: $562,797 Verdict: A man was struck in Prince George’s County. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, airbag abrasions and burns, a head laceration, left eye irritation, left foot paresthesia, a C3-4 herniation, an L5-S1 with radiculopathy and nerve root compression, a left rotator cuff tear, left bicipital tendinitis, and left subacromial impingement syndrome. The man developed post-traumatic headaches, post-concussion syndrome, cognitive issues, dizzy spells, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. The man claimed he made negligent lane changes, failed to yield the right-of-way, and failed to drive attentively. A Prince George’s County jury awarded $562,797.
- November 2019, Maryland: $236,254 Verdict: A man was rear-ended in Anne Arundel County. He suffered a cervical herniation. The man underwent spinal surgery. He alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. The man claimed he failed to slow down, avoid a collision, and maintain an appropriate lookout. An Anne Arundel County jury awarded $236,254.
- July 2019, Maryland: $89,762 Verdict: A woman was rear-ended. She suffered cervical, lumbosacral, and left shoulder tears. The woman alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. She claimed he drove while intoxicated and tailgated her. The Baltimore County jury awarded $89,762.
- December 2018, Maryland: $306,338 Verdict: A woman was rear-ended in Baltimore County. She suffered an L5-S1 herniation, a lumbar strain, and traumatic left knee and hip injuries. The woman alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. She claimed he failed to timely brake and keep an appropriate distance between vehicles. The jury awarded $306,338.
- April 2018, Maryland: $120,000 Verdict: A man was rear-ended on Orleans Street in Baltimore. He suffered an L5-S1 herniation with radiculopathy. The man developed lower leg numbness and a partial lumbosacral spine disability. He alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. The man claimed he failed to maintain an appropriate lookout and safely operate his vehicle. A Baltimore City jury awarded $120,000.
- August 2017, Maryland: $92,184 Verdict: A woman was struck by a detached wheel. She suffered multiple injuries, including lumbar strains and sprains. The woman alleged that the at-fault driver’s excessive speeding caused his vehicle’s wheel to detach and strike her vehicle. A Baltimore City jury awarded $92,184.
- May 2016, Washington: $1,275,000 Settlement: A 45-year-old man was a passenger in a single-vehicle collision. He suffered L3-4 and L4-5 herniations with radiculopathy, a right rotator cuff tear with impingement, and cervical, thoracic, shoulder, and lumbar strains. The man underwent two micro-decompressions within two years. He alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. The man claimed he fell asleep at the wheel. This case settled for $1,275,000.
- March 2015, Maryland: $350,000 Verdict: A man was rear-ended at a red light at the intersection of Route 108 and Route 175. He suffered cervical and lumbar injuries. The man alleged negligence against the at-fault driver. He claimed she failed to maintain an appropriate distance and timely brake. The Baltimore County jury awarded $350,000.
- July 2014, Texas: $46,543 Verdict: After approaching a red light at the intersection of Bruton Road and Pleasant Drive, a woman was suddenly rear-ended. She sought treatment directly after the collision where she was diagnosed with spinal injuries and nerve damage as well as chest contusions, right shoulder and elbow sprains, a sprained left wrist and bulging discs. She was also treated for dizziness, post-traumatic headaches, and muscle spasms. She sued the driver for negligence, claiming he failed to keep a proper lookout. The other driver’s insurance company denied all allegations, as they often do. A Dallas jury found the Defendant negligent in his actions and awarded Plaintiff $46,543.
- March 2013, Pennsylvania: $700,000 Verdict: A 31-year-old state trooper was stopped at a red light before the on-ramp for Exit 342 on I-76 when she was rear-ended by a driver operating a company van. She visited a local ER where she was advised to follow up with her physician. She visited her family physician the following day complaining of pain in her lower back, headaches, neck stiffness, and nausea. The physician prescribed her pain medications. She returned the next week with increased pain and numbness in her right hand and right large toe. X-ray and MRI results showed a mild disc bulge and lateral disc protrusion. She was referred to a neurologist who conducted an EMG that showed spinal nerve damage. She had a total of 49 physical therapy treatments, as well as a multitude of chiropractic and orthopedic care. She hired a spinal cord injury lawyer and sued the driver and his employer for motor vehicle negligence. Plaintiff claimed that due to Defendant’s failure to maintain a proper look-out, she was unable to return to normal job activities and ultimately had to change her job from a state trooper to a casino security supervisor. Defendants did not deny liability but did argue the extent of Plaintiff’s injuries. A Philadelphia jury rendered a verdict for the Plaintiff of $700,000.
- September 2011, Connecticut: $41,134 Verdict: A 27-year-old man was stopped at an intersection in Fairfield County when he was rear-ended. Soon after the collision, he was diagnosed with soft tissue injuries to his back as well as spinal curvature and nerve damage. He sued the driver and the vehicle’s owner for negligence. Defendants denied liability, arguing the plaintiff turned to speak to his son in the rear seat and brought the vehicle to a sudden stop. Defendants also disputed the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. The matter continued to trial where a Fairfield jury found for the Plaintiff and awarded him $41,134.
- May 2011, New York: $2,871,666 Verdict: A 40-year-old man underwent a biopsy of a mass on a nerve of his brachial plexus. The tissue sample was sent to a pathologist who thought the tissue was a portion of a tumor and ordered the mass be removed. Directly after the removal, the man began to experience immense pain in his right arm. A follow-up revealed the mass was a benign growth and did not necessitate removal. He sustained severe nerve damage that required two surgeries to replace portions of the damaged nerve. He filed a medical malpractice suit against the neurosurgeons who conducted the removal of the mass, and the pathologist who ordered the mass be removed. Plaintiff claimed the removal of the mass resulted in permanent and severe nerve damage and he no longer has mobility in his right, dominant arm. The matter continued to trial where a Westchester jury found for Plaintiff for $2,871,666.
- June 2010, Maryland: $4,947,837 Verdict: A physical therapist with a history of sacroiliac joint pain was visiting an osteopathic doctor for the first time after relocating to Maryland. After conducting a physical examination, the physician reported spinal alignment abnormalities and performed spinal palpations. However, when he reached her head he suddenly performed a high-velocity neck twist. This twist resulted in internal disc disruption and nerve damage. She sued the physician, claiming he failed to obtain her consent to perform the neck twist. Plaintiff contended the treatment was not appropriate for her condition, and due to Defendant’s negligence she was unable to return to her job. A Montgomery County jury rendered a $4,947,837 verdict.
Revising this page in 2022, our Baltimore spinal injury lawyers noticed how few sample lawsuits we provided here. So we will be working to update that soon.
CONTACT A MARYLAND SPINAL CORD INJURY LAWYER
Many of you are searching for a spinal cord lawyer near me. Our lawyers are based in Baltimore. But more important than being near you, it is important to have a spinal injury attorney will maximize your settlement compensation amount or jury award.
Our lawyers fight to get our clients who have suffered a severe spinal cord injury full compensation – either by settlement or a lawsuit throughout Maryland. Call us to discuss your case at 800-553-8082 or get a free online consultation.
More Information
- Spinal Fluid Leak After Surgery Claims
- Paraplegia Average Verdicts
- Herniated Disc Information Page: get our thoughts after handling hundreds of these cases
- Value of Cervical Herniated Disc Cases: settlement and trial values
- Central Cord Syndrome Claims
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: common problem – a malpractice claim – after spinal surgery
- Spinal Surgery Malpractice: doctors often make mistakes when performing spinal surgery — here is an example case and here is a case where a spinal fracture was misdiagnosed
- Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at 800-553-8082 or click here for a free consultation anywhere in the United States