Filming an Action Scene in Garden City? 

A Single Injury Could End Your Career

Filming an action scene is thrilling, until something goes wrong. Personal injury lawyers have seen firsthand how one mistake, one miscalculated stunt, can sideline you with an injury that could cost you everything. One mistake, one miscalculated stunt, and you’re sidelined with an injury that could cost you everything. Whether you’re a stunt performer, an actor, or a crew member, you know the risks. But what happens when that risk turns into reality?

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how much is at stake. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the best law firms in America. Our personal injury lawyers understand that you’ve worked hard to build your career, and an injury shouldn’t be the thing that takes it all away. You’ve worked hard to build your career, and an injury shouldn’t be the thing that takes it all away. 

A Delayed Film Shoot Can Ruin Careers, Who Covers the Financial Damage?

When an accident halts production, the consequences are huge. Studios bleed money, actors miss out on roles, and crew members are left in limbo. A delayed shoot can mean rescheduling, extra costs, and even legal battles over contracts. But who’s on the hook for these losses?

Insurance policies play a role, but they don’t always cover everything. If you’re injured, you might lose more than just time. You could lose future job opportunities. So, who’s responsible? The studio, a third-party contractor, or a negligent stunt coordinator?

Here’s what you need to think about:

• Production insurance coverage: Some policies only cover immediate financial losses, leaving injured performers struggling to recover lost wages and medical bills.
• Your contract: Some actors and crew members have clauses guaranteeing pay during delays, while others don’t.
• Negligence on set: If the production ignored safety protocols or pressured you into a dangerous stunt, you may have a legal case.

Sorting this out can be a nightmare. If you’re unsure who should pay for your losses, we can help.

How Delays Affect Studios and Actors

A single injury can throw an entire production into chaos. Studios scramble to rewrite scenes, replace actors, or push deadlines. But for you, the stakes are even higher.

• Reshoots can ruin schedules. Tom Cruise’s broken ankle on Mission: Impossible – Fallout shut down production for months, delaying other projects he was signed onto.
• Insurance companies don’t always pay up. If there’s any dispute over how your injury happened, insurers might stall payments, leaving you drowning in medical bills.
• Stunt performers risk losing their careers. A single bad fall can mean permanent injuries, just like what happened to Fast & Furious stunt doubles who suffered life-altering accidents.

If your injury wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay the price.

Stunt Work Can Kill, What Happens When Safety Measures Fail?

Stunt work isn’t just dangerous, it can be deadly. Even with strict safety protocols, things go wrong. Faulty equipment, rushed schedules, and inexperienced crew members all increase the risks. But when does an accident become outright negligence?

Studios have a legal duty to keep their sets safe. Our injury lawyers often see cases where studios cut corners, putting their cast and crew in harm’s way. If they cut corners, they can and should be held responsible. Here’s where things often go wrong:

• Faulty harnesses or rigging. Joi Harris lost her life on the set of Deadpool 2 because of a poorly prepared motorcycle stunt.
• Explosions gone wrong. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter stuntwoman Olivia Jackson suffered catastrophic injuries, including an amputated arm, due to a mismanaged stunt.
• Unqualified stunt coordinators. Some productions hire inexperienced people to save money, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
• Ignoring industry safety standards. The Rust set tragedy, where a cinematographer was killed, showed what happens when safety is an afterthought.

If an accident happens because someone didn’t do their job, you have every right to demand justice.

When Studios Are Held Responsible for Stunt Accidents

Studios like to shift the blame. But if they’re the ones who failed to enforce safety measures, they should be held accountable. Courts have ruled against studios when they:

• Skipped proper training or supervision. A stuntman died on The Expendables 2 because safety measures weren’t followed during an explosion scene.
• Ignored safety complaints. If cast and crew reported dangerous conditions and nothing changed, the studio is responsible.
• Pressured performers into unsafe stunts. Some productions push actors and stunt performers beyond safe limits to cut costs.

If you or someone you know was seriously hurt on set, don’t let the studio brush it off.

Workers' Comp vs. Personal Injury: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

Workers’ comp might cover your injury, but is it enough? In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit can get you more. Knowing the difference could mean thousands, if not millions, in compensation.

Here’s what workers’ comp usually covers:

• Medical expenses and rehab. Doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term treatment.
• A portion of lost wages. Most policies only pay about two-thirds of your income, which may not be enough.
• Disability benefits. If you can’t work for a long time, workers’ comp offers ongoing financial support.

But here’s the catch, workers’ comp doesn’t cover pain and suffering or lost future income. That’s where a personal injury claim comes in.

When an Injury Falls Under Personal Injury Law

Workers’ comp is for employees. But a lot of film professionals work as independent contractors. If you’re not classified as an employee, you’ll need to file a personal injury lawsuit instead.

A personal injury claim makes sense if:

• Your injury was caused by negligence. If the studio ignored safety protocols, you could be entitled to much more.
• A third party was responsible. Equipment manufacturers, stunt coordinators, or special effects teams could be liable.
• Workers’ comp isn’t enough. Some injuries cause lifelong losses that workers’ comp simply doesn’t cover.

If you don’t know what your best legal option is, we’ll help you figure it out.

Injured on Set? Horn Wright, LLP Can Help

If you’ve been hurt while filming in Garden City, you don’t have to deal with the legal mess alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury lawyers have helped entertainment professionals get the compensation they deserve. Let us take on the legal battle while you focus on getting back on your feet.

Call us today for a free consultation.