Review actual neck and back injury payouts from Connecticut car accident cases. Look for claims similar to yours.

The settlements and court awards here are from actual personal injury lawsuits filed by plaintiffs who suffered neck and back injuries.

The average payout in Connecticut for a moderate car accident neck or back injury is $41,210. Payouts range from $275 for minor soft-tissue injuries, to $5,390,000 for a catastrophic spinal cord injury.

The cases in this group represent a range of neck and back injuries, from minor sprains to quadriplegia.  Neck and back injuries arise from a variety of accident types, from low-impact fender-benders to horrific tractor-trailer crashes.

Average Connecticut Neck and Back Injury Settlements

Averages and ranges are drawn from a group of real Connecticut car accident cases involving a range of neck and back injuries. Our group only included cases that resulted in a payout to the injury victim.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Neck-Back Injury	$6,528
Moderate Neck-Back Injury	$41,210
Severe Neck-Back Injury	$977,732
Payout Range by Severity of Injury
Minor Neck-Back Injury	$275 - $14,964
Moderate Neck-Back Injury	$15,000 - $75,000
Severe Neck-Back Injury	$100,335 - $5,390,000

While all the victims in this case group suffered some kind of neck or back injury, many car accident victims sustain multiple injuries. Insurance settlements and jury awards are intended to compensate the victim for all their damages from the accident, not one specific injury.

How Neck and Back Injury Settlements are Calculated

Car accident compensation is largely based on the scope of the victim’s injuries. Serious injuries result in greater compensation due to higher medical expenses, increased wage loss, and more extreme emotional and physical suffering.

Treatment Costs for Neck and Back Injuries

Insurance companies are only required to pay reasonable costs for the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of neck and back injuries. Reasonable costs are defined as medically necessary based on current standards of medical care.

• Sprains and Strains – Soft-tissue sprains and strains to the neck and back are common in any type of traffic accident. An emergency room visit in Connecticut costs nearly $1,500. Add the costs of X-rays and out-of-pocket costs for medications and a neck brace, for estimated treatment costs totaling approximately $2,500.
• Broken Back or Neck – Uncomplicated fractures of the vertebrae in your neck or back can often be treated by stabilizing the area with a brace and limiting physical activities. Conservative treatment of a broken neck or back without surgery will cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more. If surgery is needed, treatment costs can range from $50,000 to more than $150,000.
• Disc Herniation – Treatment of a herniated disc without surgery can run from $5,000 to $10,000. Fusion surgery for herniated discs can range from $20,000 to $50,000.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – The level of paralysis and the age of the victim will influence the projected care and treatment costs for the injury. Costs rise according to the number of years the victim is expected to live with a permanently disabling injury. Lifetime treatment costs for a person paralyzed from the waist down can range from $1,656,000 for a 50-year-old, to more than $2,500,000 for a 25-year-old victim.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Connecticut:

• Impact Severity – Insurance adjusters scrutinize neck and back claims from low-impact collisions, especially with no objective proof of injury.
• Shared Fault – Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state. So long as you are not more to blame than the other driver, you can still make a claim if you shared some fault. Your compensation will be reduced accordingly.
• Auto Policy Limits – Connecticut requires drivers to carry insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $25,000 property damage liability. Minimum limits may not be enough to cover your damages.
• Uninsured/Underinsured – Connecticut requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to your policy’s liability limits. You’ll need this coverage if you’re injured by a hit-and-run or an at-fault driver with little or no insurance.
• Multiple Claimants – When multiple people are injured in the same accident, the available insurance might not be enough to go around.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages in Connecticut are limited to the victim’s attorney fees and litigation costs, no matter how egregious the at-fault party’s behavior.
• Commercial Policies – When the at-fault driver was operating a commercial vehicle, like a tractor-trailer, or driving a personal vehicle on company business, much higher insurance limits come into play. Commercial liability policies often have multi-million dollar limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Neck and Back Injury Case Examples

Car accident victims with minor neck and back injuries can expect a full recovery in a few weeks. Victims may be stiff and sore for several days. After the initial medical evaluation, treatment usually consists of rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Minor injuries can keep the person out of work for several days.

Jury Award Impacted by Delayed Treatment for Neck Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $275
Case Summary: Plaintiffs were passengers in a motor vehicle stopped at a red light that was rear-ended by a car driven by Defendant. Plaintiffs waited two months before seeking medical treatment. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue neck injuries for which they received orthopedic and physical therapy treatment. Defendant admitted liability, but argued plaintiffs’ claimed injuries could not be causally related to the accident due to the delay in seeking treatment. Defendant contended the vehicles had little to no visible damage. Jury awarded plaintiffs a total of $550. Per defendant’s counsel, the low impact nature of this accident coupled with a delay in seeking treatment affected the outcome of this case.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Alfonso v. O’Connell, CV03-0403012S

Fender Bender Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Aggravation of preexisting soft tissue back and neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $954
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped for a red light at an intersection in a commercial area. While stopped, she was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff sought emergency room treatment followed by physical therapy and chiropractic care. Plaintiff alleged the force of impact was sufficient to cause serious neck and back injuries with ongoing complaints of pain and stiffness. Plaintiff acknowledged preexisting spinal problems, but argued that this accident aggravated her condition. Liability was admitted. Defendant however contended that plaintiff was not injured in this minor collision and any ongoing complaints were unrelated to the accident or were pre existing. Jury awarded plaintiff $954 for emergency room expenses only.
Location: New London, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Brown v. Bedard, KNL-CV09-5010587

Neck and Back Injury Award Reduced for Shared Fault

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,734
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving eastbound near an intersection. Defendant was driving westbound and attempted to make a left turn into a parking lot, colliding with plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff alleged he had the right-of-way and plaintiff was negligent in turning in front of oncoming traffic. Plaintiff claimed he sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries with range of motion difficulties as a direct result of this accident. Defendant contended that she was stopped for several seconds with her left turn signal activated when two cars heading eastbound stopped and the drivers waived her across traffic. Defendant disputed causation and the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded $3,400 to plaintiff. The award was reduced by 49% to $1,734 after jury found plaintiff was comparatively negligent.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Suchy v. Limosani, CV-06-5005060-S

Small Verdict for Cervical Strain and Soft-Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Shoulder injury-Torn rotator cuff; Soft tissue right leg and head injuries; Back injury-cervical strain and contusions.
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,945
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped for a red light and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed he sustained a torn rotator cuff; soft tissue right leg and head injuries; cervical strain; and contusions which kept him from enjoying normal activities of life. He sought damages for medicals and pain and suffering. Defendant did not deny that he struck plaintiff’s vehicle, but disputed that he was negligent in doing so. He also disputed the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a verdict of $1,945 in favor of the plaintiff. Plaintiff had previously rejected a $20,000 offer of compromise.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Balisano v. Bonville, JR, CV-08-5020171-S

Economic Award for Cervical Strain, Headaches, Jaw Pain

Type of Injury: Back injury-cervical spine; headaches and jaw pain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,570
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving in a parking lot. She claimed her vehicle was bumped by Defendant’s vehicle, which caused her to lose control of her car. Plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent in operating and controlling his vehicle by backing up into her without warning, using his brakes improperly and lacking the ability to avoid the collision. She claimed she sustained injuries of the cervical spine, headaches and jaw pain. She also claimed the accident caused her emotional distress and quality of life issues. Defendant denied liability for the accident. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $2,570 in economic damages only.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Mulligan v. Desouza, CV-05-4010508-S

Defendant Disputes Plaintiff’s Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,799
Case Summary: Plaintiff was in a rear-end collision with Defendant, who admitted liability for the accident. Plaintiff alleged she sustained significant and permanent neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident. Defendant contended that this relatively minor accident could not have caused any serious injuries and that any injuries sustained should have resolved within a few weeks of the accident. Defendant argued that plaintiff’s medical records revealed unrelated personal injuries, which could have caused her complaints. Defendant also argued that plaintiff’s symptoms improved during post-accident treatment. Plaintiff disputed that she had unrelated injuries or that she experienced any improvement during treatment. Jury returned a $2,799 verdict for plaintiff.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Uccello v. Burgos, HHD-CV10-6012708-S

Plaintiff Rejects Arbitration Award for Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their vehicles on the same roadway. They each exited the highway. Plaintiff stopped at the end of the ramp and was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed significant cervical and lumbar injuries with decreased mobility and loss of enjoyment of life. Defendant did not contest liability, but disputed the nature and severity of plaintiff’s alleged bodily injury claims. This case was originally submitted for pre-trial arbitration. Plaintiff received a $12,000 award. However, she rejected the award and elected to proceed to this jury trial. Jury awarded her $4,740 for past medical expenses and $260 for pain and suffering.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Garcia v. Milligan, CV-07-5011935-S

Jury Award to Passenger for Disputed Injuries

Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-soft tissue neck and back injuries and a right rotator cuff tear; Plaintiff 2-soft tissue neck injury, abrasions and a cervical disc protrusion
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,965
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving westbound near an intersection. Plaintiff’s daughter was a passenger in the vehicle. Defendant was northbound in the left lane. Upon entering the intersection, the two vehicles collided. The intersection was controlled by a police officer at the time of the accident. Defendant driver was operating a vehicle owned by co-defendant. Plaintiff driver claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries and a right rotator cuff tear. Plaintiff passenger claimed a soft tissue neck injury, abrasions and a cervical disc protrusion. Defendants contended that Plaintiff driver caused the accident. Plaintiff driver’s complaint was dismissed prior to trial and the case proceeded on the passenger’s injury claims only. Defendants disputed the nature and extent of her injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $7,965.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Guest v. Heins, CV-06-6000019-S

Child Passenger Suffers Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,100
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a backseat passenger in a vehicle driven by her mother. They had just passed through an intersection when they stopped to make a left turn. While stopped, they were rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged that she sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries that required chiropractic treatment as a result of this accident. Liability was admitted. Defendant however disputed the extent of the injuries claimed by plaintiff. Defendant argued that plaintiff exacerbated her injury while painting her room, which plaintiff denied. Jury awarded $1,500 to plaintiff for pain and suffering and $7,500 to her mother for medicals.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Latimer v. King, CV065002997S

Jury Award for Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,280
Case Summary: At an intersection controlled by a traffic light, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck broadside by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged that he properly signaled his intention to make a right turn and defendant was negligent in attempting to pass him on the right as he executed his turn. Plaintiff claimed defendant was responsible for the accident and his soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant argued that plaintiff signaled a left turn and then abruptly turned right in the path of defendant’s vehicle as defendant attempted to pass on the right. Defendant contended that plaintiff was comparatively negligent in that he signaled a left turn when he intended to turn right. Defendant also disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $9,280 with no finding of comparative negligence.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Cortese v. Pigeon, CV030082679S

Plaintiff Verdict for Cervical, Lumbar, and Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue cervical, lumbar and shoulder injuries; a left knee contusion
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving on a city street. He attempted to pass a vehicle driven by Defendant and owned by co-defendant as defendant driver was maneuvering the vehicle to the left. The vehicles collided. Plaintiff claimed defendants’ vehicle was parked on the side of the street and that defendant driver attempted to make a U-turn as plaintiff drove past the vehicle. Plaintiff claimed serious neck, back and shoulder injuries as a result of the accident. Defendant driver contended that he was making a left turn into a private driveway when plaintiff illegally passed him on the left. Defendant also disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. The jury returned a $9,500 verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Polanco v. Theobald, CV065001829S

Passenger Suffers Lumbar Strain, Myofascitis, Extension Fixations

Type of Injury: Post-traumatic lumbar hyperextension strain with myofascitis; L3-L5 extension fixations; right tricep muscle strain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,318
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a front seat passenger in a vehicle driven by her mother, Defendant. Plaintiff was wearing a seat belt. Defendant was traveling east, approaching an intersection. Defendant 2 was operating her own vehicle westbound on the same street and attempted to make a left turn directly in front of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle. Defendant applied her brakes and swerved to the right, causing her to lose control of her vehicle. The vehicle proceeded over the curb, struck a tree stump and became airborne before coming to a stop. Plaintiff claimed midline post-traumatic lumbar hyperextension/hyperflexion strain with myofascitis; L3-L5 extension fixations; and a right tricep muscle strain. Defendants denied liability, each claiming the other driver was responsible for the crash. Jury returned plaintiff verdict for $ 11,318.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Martin v. Martin, CV-05-5000762

Jury Verdict for Plaintiff with Cervical and Lumbar Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and Back injuries-Soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,981
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped her car due to traffic and was struck in the rear by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained disabling cervical and lumbar injuries from the impact and treated with a physical therapist for five months after the accident. Plaintiff was later involved in two other motor vehicle accidents which were settled prior to this trial. Defendant disputed plaintiff’s injuries were caused by this accident. Defendant argued that the injuries were caused by plaintiff’s subsequent accidents. Jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, awarding her $7,000 for past medical expenses and $6,981 for pain and suffering.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Hatchett v. Feliciano, CV-05-4009806S

Both Drivers Liable for Passenger Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $14,964
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Defendant. While traveling through an intersection, Defendant collided with a vehicle driven by Defendant 2. Plaintiff alleged both defendants failed to maintain a proper lookout and one or both of them failed to yield the right-of-way. She claimed the crash caused her to sustain permanent impairments to her neck and back. Defendant denied liability. He argued that he had the right-of-way when he entered the intersection on a green light and defendant 2 negligently disregarded the traffic signal and entered the intersection on a red light. Defendant 2 maintained that Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way and disregarded the traffic signal. Jury awarded plaintiff $14,964 with each defendant to pay 50% of the judgment.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Kichard v. Costa, CV 075004061

Moderate Neck and Back Injury Case Examples

Moderate neck and back injuries can include more serious sprains and strains, uncomplicated vertebrae fractures or herniated discs, and pinched nerves. There may be some residual impairment from these types of injuries. Recovery can be long and painful, with the victim unable to work for several months.

Jury Award for Passenger’s Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating a vehicle on a through street. He was broadsided by a vehicle driven by Defendant, who attempted to join the street from an adjacent road. Plaintiff settled the claim for soft tissue neck and back injuries for the sum of $15,000. This case proceeded on a claim filed by second plaintiff, who said he was in the plaintiff’s vehicle at the time of the crash. Defendants contended that plaintiff was not in the car at the time of the accident and, therefore, suffered no injuries related to the crash. Plaintiff maintained that he got out of the car after the accident and sat on the curb, waiting for officers and EMS to arrive. He claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries. Jury awarded seond plaintiff $13,750 in damages.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Hutchinson v. Arnett, CV075010741S

Cervical and Lumbar Injuries, Rotator Cuff Injury, Headaches

Type of Injury: Right shoulder rotator cuff injury; Others-soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries and post-concussive headaches with depression
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,692
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop and was rear-ended by Defendant. The impact pushed plaintiff’s vehicle into the rear of the car ahead of her. Plaintiff claimed a rotator cuff injury, as well as neck and back injuries. She underwent two surgical repairs on her shoulder after the accident. Defendant argued that plaintiff’s injuries did not arise from this accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff was involved in three prior automobile accidents which may have caused the serious shoulder and back complaints. Defendant further claimed plaintiff’s need for surgery was unrelated to this accident. The jury returned a $15,692 verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Peterson v. Sessa, CV065001247S

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Cervical and Lumbar Disc Herniations

Type of Injury: Back and Neck injuries-Aggravation of Pre-existing cervical and lumbar disc herniations
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,316
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that defendant suddenly and unexpectedly pulled out of a parking lot and onto a Street in front of him, causing him to strike the rear of defendant’s car. Plaintiff was diagnosed with aggravation of pre-existing cervical and lumbar disc herniations. Plaintiff admitted he was involved in prior motor vehicle accident in which he suffered herniated cervical and lumbar disc injuries. He however claimed he was asymptomatic for a number of years prior to the subject accident. Defendant denied negligence, contending that the road was clear prior to his attempting to make his left turn. Defendant also denied causation and the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Court found for plaintiff. Judge determined plaintiff’s damages totaled $23,316.
Location: Hamden, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Printemps v. Walker, FSTCV16-6028541-S

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Neck and Back Conditions

Type of Injury: Aggravation of a pre existing back and neck degenerative condition, causing new numbness and tingling in plaintiff’s right hand.
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff said the impact caused an aggravation of preexisting degenerative disc disease, resulting in numbness and tingling in her dominant right hand. She claimed she did not have the numbness and tingling sensations before this accident. Defendant denied liability for causing this accident. He contended that plaintiff switched lanes just before impact and caused the accident herself. He argued that this was a minor collision and plaintiff was not injured. Defendant maintained that any complaints were likely related to her pre existing degenerative condition. The jury awarded plaintiff $23,500 in damages.
Location: Middlesex, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Bohan v. Zhang, CV055001214S

Passenger with Lumbar Sprain, Rib and Back Pain

Type of Injury: Lower back injury-Soft tissue lumbar sprain, rib pain, back pain radiating into both ankles
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $24,336
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle. Defendant was operating his own vehicle on an intersecting street. At an intersection controlled by a stop sign, defendant struck plaintiff’s vehicle broadside. The impact forced plaintiff’s vehicle into a guardrail. Plaintiff claimed to have sustained a permanent lumbar injury with radiating pain, as well as shock and trauma to his entire nervous system, as a direct result of this accident. Defendant admitted liability, but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $21,000 for pain and suffering and $3,336 for medical expenses.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Kopp v. Effinger, LLI-CV-04-4000632-S

Jury Award for Cervical and Lumbar Strain, Shoulder Pain

Type of Injury: Neck and back injury- Cervical and lumbar strain; Shoulder pain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $24,584
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling in a parking lot. Defendant’s vehicle “T-boned” plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff went to the hospital with complaints of upper extremity and back pain. Plaintiff maintained that defendant cut across the parking lot and hit her as she was properly traveling in the parking lot. Plaintiff claimed she suffered a cervical and lumbar strain, as well as bilateral shoulder pain in the collision. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the extent of any injuries claimed by the plaintiff. Jury awarded plaintiff $24,584 for damages.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Matias v. Williams, CV-05-4004789-S

Defendant Disputes Extent of Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $36,836
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles on the same road, but in opposite directions of one another. At an intersection, defendant attempted to make a left turn in front of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision. Plaintiff claimed to have sustained serious neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident, which resolved after a period of time. She sought economic and non-economic damages. Defendant admitted liability, but contended that plaintiff’s injuries were minor in nature and disputed the extent of her injury claim. A jury returned a plaintiff’s verdict of $36,836.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Bennett v. Williams, CV044002678

Hit and Run Driver Liable for Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $38,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was driving her vehicle, with Plaintiff 2 as a passenger. It was after midnight when another vehicle backed up in front of their stopped vehicle and struck the front of their car. The tortfeasor fled the scene, but plaintiffs memorized the license plate number. The driver was later identified by police investigators as Defendant. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries which required chiropractic treatment. Defendant denied any involvement in this accident. Defendant also disputed the nature and extent of plaintiffs’ injuries, particularly those of plaintiff 1. Defendant acknowledged that plaintiff 2 may have suffered some temporary soft tissue injuries, but argued that those injuries had resolved. Jury returned a plaintiffs’ verdict for $72,000: $38,000 for Plaintiff 2 and $34,000 for Plaintiff 1.
Location: Tolland, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Senecal v. Treadwell, CV076000269S

Soft-Tissue Neck Injury, Two Herniated Discs in Back

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injury and two herniated discs in the back
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $40,705
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop and her car was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. According to plaintiff, she sustained a soft tissue neck injury and two herniated discs in her back as a direct result of this accident. She treated with a physical therapist for about one-year post-accident and claimed a 10% permanent disability. Defendant contended that plaintiff was not injured to the extent she claimed. Jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $30,000 for pain and suffering and $10,705 for past medical bills.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Thuhowsky v. Singh, CV04-0408906S

Aggravation of Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Injuries, Disc Protrusion

Type of Injury: Back and neck injury-aggravation of preexisting injuries to cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions and disc protrusion at C5-6
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $58,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by defendant. Following the accident, plaintiff was taken by ambulance to a local emergency room, where she complained of pain in her neck and back. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered an aggravation of preexisting injuries to her cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, as well as a disc protrusion at C5-6. She had previously suffered neck and back sprains in a prior motor vehicle accident. She underwent four months of chiropractic care to treat the neck and back injuries. Defendant admitted liability. The case proceeded on injuries and damages. Defendant’s insurer agreed to a $58,500 settlement on the day of trial.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Loubriel v. Gigante, NNH-CV18-6086684-S

Soft-Tissue Injuries to Neck, Shoulder, and Back

Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries to neck, shoulder and back-muscle spasm
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $62,485
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped prior to turning into a parking lot and was rear-ended by Defendant. Defendant’s wife, was the owner of the vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she suffered permanent soft tissue injuries to her neck, shoulder and back, resulting in muscle spasms. Defendant’s wife did not file a response to plaintiff’s complaint. Defendant denied negligence with regard to the accident and disputed the extent of plaintiff’s damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $62,485 ($12,485 for past medical expenses and $50,000 for pain and suffering.)
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: O’Toole V. O’Connor, CV-04-4001234-S

Plaintiff With Partial Disability to Thoracic Spine

Type of Injury: Thoracic spine injury
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $68,270
Case Summary: Plaintiff slowed behind another car and was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff was taken to the hospital and treated for neck and low back pain. She was prescribed ibuprofen. Plaintiff was involved in a second car accident six months later. Plaintiff claimed she suffered a 25% permanent partial disability to her thoracic spine as a result of the accident. Plaintiff’s chiropractor testified that the majority of plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the first accident. Defendant denied that the first wreck was the cause of plaintiff’s injuries. He argued that it was impossible for plaintiff’s expert, who did not examine plaintiff until after the second accident, to reasonably determine which accident was responsible for her injuries. Plaintiff was awarded $68,270 by a jury.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Rodia v. Sobulefsky, UWY-CV-075005773

Lumbar Disc Herniation with Sciatica, Leg Injury

Type of Injury: Leg injury; Othes-Lumbar disc herniation with sciatica
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $70,715
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a red light when his vehicle was tapped from behind by another vehicle. Defendant told the investigating officer at the scene that her foot had slipped off the brake after she had come to a stop and that she rolled into plaintiff’s vehicle. Approximately six months after the accident, plaintiff was diagnosed with a disc herniation. He claimed his leg and back pain were the result of pressure caused by the herniation, which he alleged occurred at the time of the accident. Defendant contended that the force of the impact was insufficient to have resulted in the claimed injuries. Defendant also argued that the six-month gap in treatment was evidence that plaintiff’s herniation was unrelated to the accident. Jury awarded $70,715 to plaintiff.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Banas v. Armbruster, CV106008498S

Two Drivers Liable for Passenger’s Herniated Discs

Type of Injury: Back injury-herniated cervical and lumbar discs
Type of Accident: Single Vehicle
Award/Settlement Amount: $75,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a front seat passenger in a vehicle driven by Defendant. As defendant crested a hill with a close intersection, he braked to avoid a vehicle driven by Defendant 2 . There was no contact between the vehicles. However, the trailer Defendant was pulling swerved into the next lane, the vehicle crossed into a grassy area and rolled over twice. Plaintiff claimed he sustained herniated cervical and lumbar discs that affected his ability to work and that one or both defendants were responsible for this accident. Defendant1 blamed Defendant 2, whom he claimed entered his lane of travel. Defendant 2 argued that Defendant was speeding, overreacted to the situation and lost control of his vehicle. Jury awarded plaintiff $75,000 with 60% liability assigned to Defendant and 40% to Defendant2.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Cruz v. Kanon, CV040409715S

Severe Neck and Back Injury Case Examples

Severe neck and back injuries from a car accident can be life-changing. Severe injuries include neck and back fractures, disc injuries, and spinal cord injuries with permanent paralysis. Severe injury victims may never be able to return to their pre-accident employment and activities.

Permanent Partial Disability from Ligamentous Lumbar Sprain

Type of Injury: Lower back injury-Muscular ligamentous sprain of the lumbar spine
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,335
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her car north. She came to a stop at an intersection and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a soft tissue injury to her lumbar spine. An independent medical examiner confirmed a 3% to 5% impairment. Plaintiff’s physician opined that plaintiff’s lower back pain was likely to be permanent, despite continuous treatment. Defendant admitted liability for having caused the accident, but disputed the proximate cause of plaintiff’s injuries. Defendant presented evidence that plaintiff had been involved in three previous motor vehicle accidents. However, plaintiff testified that none of the prior accidents had caused any physical injuries that required medical treatment. Jury awarded plaintiff $14,160 in economic damages and $86,175 in non-economic damages.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Vankirk v. Tyliszczak, CV040409328S

Jury Award for Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries.
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $108,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed he suffered neck and back soft tissue injuries as a direct result of the accident. He asserted that his cervical injury resolved, but he had extended low back problems that required acupuncture and massage therapy. Plaintiff maintained that he had to hire additional employees to run his business. Defendant admitted he struck plaintiff’s vehicle in the rear but contended he was faced with a sudden emergency as traffic had stopped around a curved and hilly section of the road and he had no time to stop. Defendant claimed this accident was not the proximate cause of plaintiff’s alleged injury. A jury awarded plaintiff $108,000, primarily for his medicals.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Achtman v. Mandras, CV040199746S

Lumbar Strain, Aggravation of Pre-Existing Disc Disease in Neck

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries-Lumbar strain and aggravation of preexisting degenerative disc disease in the neck with myelopathy
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $157,149
Case Summary: Defendant was operating a passenger van in a westerly direction and was exiting a parking lot. Plaintiff was a passenger in plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant 2 was traveling north approaching an intersection when she collided with the van. Plaintiff claimed Defendant 2 attempted to pass a vehicle that was stopped on the northbound side in a no passing zone and struck the left side of Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed lumbar strain. He required surgery at C3-C4 and C5-C6. However, plaintiff’s treating expert did not causally relate the C5-C6 surgery and/or the L5-S1 lumbar surgery to the accident. Each defendant denied liability and blamed one another for causing the crash. Jury awarded plaintiff $157,149. Per Defendant’s attorney, plaintiff’s prior injuries and lack of causation evidence impacted the case.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Gupton v. Bosco , CV040528230S

Cervical and Lumbar Disc Bulges and Herniation

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical and lumbar bulges and herniations; General soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $172,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle with her 17-year-old daughter as a passenger, when they were rear-ended by a tractor-trailer driven by Defendant and owned by Co-defendant. Defendant was traveling 55 to 60 mph when he moved from the left lane to the right lane and clipped the rear of plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiff’s vehicle spun out of control and hit a roadway median. Both plaintiffs claimed cervical and lumbar bulges and herniations, as well as other assorted soft tissue injuries. Liability was admitted by defendants on the eve of trial. Defendants contended that plaintiffs exaggerated their injuries and had recovered. Jury awarded plaintiffs $345,000. Per plaintiffs’ counsel, Plaintiff driver survived breast cancer prior to this accident, which limited the case she could make for non-economic damages.
Location: Danbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Bolanos v. Curry, CV010341916S

Cervical and Lumbar Strains, Premature Labor, Torn Meniscus

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries-Cervical and lumbar strains, premature labor and a torn left meniscus.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $218,300
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving north when an unidentified driver in an oncoming lane lost control and traveled left of center. Plaintiff swerved to avoid the oncoming car and hit a vehicle driven by a non-party. Plaintiff was pregnant at the time of the accident and was driving her husband’s vehicle, which was insured by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged the unidentified driver who fled the scene was the proximate cause of the collision. Plaintiff claimed that, in addition to her immediate soft tissue injuries, she went into premature labor after an extended bed rest and suffered a more difficult labor due to her lumbar strain. Defendant disputed the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $218,300 in damages.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Thomas v. Allstate, CV040413251S

Plaintiff Award for Bulging Lumbar Disc

Type of Injury: Lower back injury-Bulging lumbar disc
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $275,000
Case Summary: Defendant was operating a leased vehicle on an exit ramp when she struck plaintiff’s car. Defendant was driving a vehicle leased through Co-defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a bulging lumbar disc as a direct result of the accident. Plaintiff presented eyewitnesses who testified that Defendant was driving too fast off the ramp. Defendant contended she experienced brake failure for which she had no prior knowledge or warning. In response, plaintiff presented testimony from an expert who could not find anything wrong with the brakes on Defendant’s vehicle. Both defendants disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injury claim. Jury awarded plaintiff $250,000 in non-economic damages and $25,000 in past economic damages.
Location: Tolland, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Ralston v. Moran, CV020080080S

Abdominal and Spinal Injuries with Permanent Impairments

Type of Injury: Abdominal and spinal injuries resulting in permanent impairments
Type of Accident: Single Vehicle
Award/Settlement Amount: $995,600
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling as a passenger in a vehicle driven by Defendant. While attempting a left turn, defendant missed the road and drove head-on into a utility pole. Plaintiff alleged that no other vehicle was involved in this accident. Plaintiff claimed she was rendered permanently disabled as a result of the abdominal and spinal injuries sustained in the collision and would incur significant ongoing medical expenses. Defendant testified that he drove into the utility pole after swerving to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Defendant disputed plaintiff’s damages and the extent of her injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict of $995,600.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Fu v. Lin, CV-08-5013493-S

Cervical and Lumbar Disc Injuries, Chronic Pain

Type of Injury: Neck and Back Injuries-Lumbar disc herniation
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,380,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained permanent injuries to her neck and back which rendered her unable to return to her job. Specifically, plaintiff’s lumbar disc herniation was confirmed by MRI. She underwent a discography and had a nucleoplasty on her low back. She also underwent several pain management procedures, such as epidural steroid injections and facet blocks to the lumbar and cervical areas. Although she had improvement in the cervical region following fusion, she still had significant residual complaints of neck pain. Defendants admitted liability for the accident, but disputed causation and the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury found for plaintiff and awarded her $1,380,000.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Yeager v. Alvarez, CV-07-6000541-S

Broken Neck, Spinal Cord Damage, Quadriplegia, Fractured Skull

Type of Injury: Head injury-Fractured skull; Back injury- comminuted fractures of the cervical spine, permanent damage to the spinal cord resulting in high level quadriplegia
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,390,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, age 26, was operating his vehicle. Immediately ahead of him was a tractor-trailer owned by Defendant 1 and operated by Defendant 2. Directly behind plaintiff’s vehicle was a tractor-trailer owned by Defendant 3 and operated by Defendant 4. As these vehicles approached an entrance ramp, there was a collision in the right lane between Defendant5’s vehicle and Defendant 6’s box-truck. The force of the impact pushed the box-truck partially into the center lane, causing Defendant2 to stop his tractor-trailer to avoid striking box-truck. Plaintiff also stopped. However, Defendant4 was unable to stop in time and struck plaintiff’s vehicle in the rear, pushing it into and under Defendant3’s truck. Plaintiff suffered a fractured skull and comminuted fractures of the cervical spine, resulting in high level quadriplegia. Plaintiff settled with defendants for $5,390,000.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Laufer v. Road-Con Systems, Inc., CV-05-4003130-S

Methodology

Averages are derived from payouts made to Connecticut accident victims who sustained neck or back injuries. Some victims also suffered other types of injuries from the crash.

Averages are calculated by adding up the payout amounts for the group, then dividing by the number of cases in the group. Unusually high payouts will skew the average higher for the group.

The group does not contain cases that didn’t result in a payout to the injured plaintiff.

Final Award/Settlement Amounts reflect the final payout to the claimant after any reductions for shared fault.