A jury declined to award damages to a man who claimed he suffered spinal injuries in a crash. In 2001, Herman Brunson, then in his 50s, was leaving a parking lot when he was sideswiped by Marion Zeiler. Brunson claimed Zeiler tried to squeeze by on his right. Brunson claimed cervical and lumbar disc herniations, requiring discectomies.

Defense counsel argued the minimal impact was insufficient to cause Brunson’s injuries and his injuries were degenerative and consistent with being a roofer.