How Are Personal Injury Claims Handled on Movie Sets?

With the growing entertainment industry, movie sets have spread out from just California and into the rest of America. These sets can bring great economical boosts to a city or town, but they also bring with them the risk of injuries. Just since 2014, two movie set accidents have resulted in deaths in Georgia. If you or a loved one has suffered harm after time on a film set in Georgia, discuss your case with an attorney.

Common Movie Set Accidents

Different films and productions have different set requirements and thus bring different risks for injury. Films and TV series with action scenes bring a much greater risk with their stunts, especially those with car chases, falling debris, and explosions. The more intense the special effects, the bigger the risk of injury for those on set. A Georgia highway can be hazardous on a good day; adding such risks for injury can be a recipe for harm.
Movie set accidents are mostly a result of human error. Not following proper safety procedures, improper or inadequate training, irregular or incomplete equipment maintenance, and more can all lead to injury. Some of the most common movie set accidents include:

Car accidents
Crushing injuries
Drowning
Falls and trips from set clutter
Falling equipment or props
Heavy machinery or equipment tangles

These accidents can result in different types of injuries, such as:

Back and neck injuries
Burns
Dehydration
Fractured and broken bones
Head injuries
Hypothermia
Lacerations
Ripped or torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments
Spinal cord injuries
Sprained or pulled muscles

What to Do If You Suffer Injury on a Movie Set

Foremost, you should seek treatment for your injuries, even if the damage is not severe. Often, movie sets will have medical help already on site. While that’s an important first step, be sure to follow up with your doctor. Seeing a medical professional can help determine if you have any hidden complications or damages. It will also help you make a claim for your injuries if you are eligible for any.
Afterward, consult an attorney. You may not feel you have the right to a personal injury claim but discussing your case with a professional may protect others from similar harm. If your injury was the result of another’s neglect, it may not be immediately apparent. A lawyer will be able to determine whether your case seeking fair compensation would be successful.
Like other personal injury cases, time can be of the essence. If you are going to file a claim, be sure to do so soon after your accident. It is also important to collect photo records of the scene if possible and keep track of witnesses to help your case.

What Coverage Applies to Movie Set Injuries?

Depending on whether you are part of the film crew, you may be eligible to workers’ compensation. However, not all sets provide workers’ compensation due to the high rotation of staff. It is best to report your injury to your employer immediately and discuss the situation with an attorney.
Even if your injury is not eligible for workers’ compensation, you may still be able to file a claim against the movie set’s liability insurance. Like other personal injury claims due to negligence, you must prove your injury was the result of someone’s negligence on the set.
You can also file a claim even if you are a bystander and not a part of the staff. Some movie accidents involve bystanders, especially when filming is happening in major cities like Atlanta. If you suffer an injury as a bystander, you will also need to prove your injury was the result of the set’s negligence. Likewise, if your car or property suffers damages because of a movie set’s negligence, you should speak with an attorney.
Be cautious of assumption of risk if you are filing an injury claim as a bystander. It is common for insurance companies to claim that bystanders are aware of the risks when they stop by a movie set. However, your possible assumption of risk does not mean you cannot receive compensation.