When a personal injury lawsuit occurs in the celebrity world, the intensive media coverage can have an impact on the high-stakes legal battle. With these cases being so closely monitored, it is important that the legal operations are well maintained by professionals and not tainted by overactive media outlets.
Celebrity personal injury lawsuits can include, but are not limited to:
- workplace/on-set accidents
- car accidents
- medical malpractice
Due to their fame, celebrities’ lawsuits are given much more media attention and therefore have a greater chance of bias in the legal outcome, whether it be a bias that favors or disadvantages said victim.
Bill Paxton’s Wrongful Death Lawsuit
American actor and filmmaker Bill Paxton passed away due to a stroke, which was said to have been caused by a prior heart surgery. This surgery was said to have been, unknowing to Paxton and his family, very risky and required a certain level of expertise which the surgeon did not possess.
Medical Malpractice Examples
In Bill Paxton’s case, the surgeon misinformed his patient regarding the potential risks and severity of the procedure. This was deemed medical malpractice, which led to a wrongful death claim. However, there are many other forms of medical malpractice that can be less fatal, including:
- Incorrect blood type transfusion
- Invasive surgeries started on the wrong side of body
- Incorrect sperm used at fertility clinic
- Medical instruments or retractors left inside body
- Insufficient anesthesia during surgery
Medical malpractice can happen to anyone. While physicians and other medical professionals are supposed to be trusted sources, in some cases their carelessness or negligence can be detrimental to their patients’ wellbeing.
If you were a victim of medical malpractice, it is advised that you consult with a Los Angeles injury attorney. With the guidance of Los Angeles personal injury lawyers, you may be able to recover compensation for your suffering.
Likewise, in fatal cases like Bill Paxton’s, surviving loved ones should consult a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer to ensure legal accountability. Medical malpractice is a serious offense and should be investigated thoroughly to protect the lives of future patients.
‘Rust’ Wrongful Death Case
Normally, we wouldn’t think of entertainment/performing as deadly. However, other common celebrity personal injury cases have actually occurred at their place of work. One recent incident involved Alec Baldwin accidentally firing what he thought was a prop gun on set. This led to the death of a cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, and sparked a wrongful death claim. The actor was soon charged by the state of New Mexico with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Ultimately, the charges were dropped due to new forensic evidence which helped exonerate Mr. Baldwin.
While the entertainment industry garners an abundance of media coverage when workplace injuries take place, these workplace injuries can happen in any profession. Employees may sustain burns, head injuries, auto accident injuries, and other injuries related to their respective professions. Los Angeles lawyers can help determine how to pursue a legal claim against your employer.
Raising awareness of the issue can help spark changes to the workplace and industry practices as seen in the ‘Rust’ case. This is why it is important for any employee, regardless of their industry or celebrity status, to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit if they have been injured as a result of their job.
Gwyneth Paltrow Skiing Accident
American actress Gwyneth Paltrow was involved in a skiing accident in Park City, Utah in 2016. 76-year-old Terry Sanderson sued for $300,000 after claiming Paltrow crashed into him on a beginner run at Deer Valley Resort and leaving him with a concussion and four broken ribs. Sanderson blamed this accident for his subsequent declining health, while Paltrow claimed he was exploiting her fame. After GoPro footage evidence was released, Paltrow was declared not guilty in regards to Sandersons’ claims.
Gwyneth’s accident underscores the dangers associated with recreational sports. She is not the first and is certainly not the last person to be involved in a skiing-related claim, but she serves as an example of why it is important to hold your ground in these types of claims. Understanding your legal rights is critical in personal injury lawsuits.
Those who participate in sports are knowingly agreeing to inherent risks. However, this does not mean reckless behavior is excusable. Traumatic brain injuries are becoming a more prevalent topic, especially in relation to football. Now more than ever, athletes should be proactive in safety training and use proper protective equipment.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney
There have been many celebrity personal injury lawsuits, and the role of legal representation in these cases is so important. Lawsuits with such traction like these require the best and most skilled attorneys because of the complexity and high stake outcomes.
The upside to high profile personal injury cases is that they often raise awareness of the issues and rights of average Americans. Injuries and other catastrophic accidents can, unfortunately, happen to anyone. But by understanding your legal rights, you can increase your chances of a successful case.
John Perlstein has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in these personal injury cases and protecting the rights and interests of his clients. He will ensure accurate compensation for victims and clearance for those wrongly accused.
Call us today at (213) 252-1070 or fill out this contact form to discuss your claim with a Los Angeles injury attorney.