Working on a film or TV set in California can be exciting. But even in the land of movie magic, things can go wrong fast. Set accidents aren’t just tabloid headlines-they’re real and sometimes, serious. Just ask Halle Berry: she suffered a broken arm while filming Gothika. And Brad Pitt injured his hand while working on SE7EN. In Brad’s case, he hurt it when punching a window for a scene. That injury was included in the film, cast and all.
Even the biggest stars aren’t immune to on-set injuries, and if it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone working behind the scenes, in the background or, in front of the cameras.
So what should you do if you’re injured while working as an extra, actor or crew member? Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
What Are Your Rights if You’re Hurt on the Set?
If you’re on the payroll-whether as an actor, extra, grip, camera operator, or any other crew position-you should be covered by California workers’ compensation. This applies whether you’re union or non-union, and whether your gig is for a day or a year. If it’s a very low-budget film, check and make sure. Ask the producer or person in charge whether they have workers’ compensation coverage.
Things get a bit murkier if you’re working for free, for example, on a student film. You may still have options if you hurt yourself because of dangerous conditions on set, but you likely won’t be able to apply for workers’ compensation since you collected no income. In this scenario, still, talk to an accident attorney about filing a personal injury claim against the producer or person in charge, especially if you were seriously injured.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
In California, workers’ comp pays for your medical bills if you get hurt on the job. That means doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and physical therapy are all covered.
You also get a chunk of your lost wages while you recover. If your injury is permanent or you can’t go back to your old job, you could get extra help or job training. If you lose a family member because of a set accident, you would get death benefits and help with funeral costs.
What Steps to Take
- Speak Up, Fast: Tell a producer or whoever’s in charge right away. Waiting can make things harder for you later.
- Get Medical Help: Don’t wait. Even if it feels minor, get checked out. Some injuries aren’t obvious at first.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and anything that contributed to the accident. Get the names and numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- File a Claim: Ask for a workers’ comp form from the production. Fill it out right away.
- Seek Legal Help: Attorney J.J. Dominguez of The Dominguez Firm explains, “If you are seriously injured, consult with an experienced work injury lawyer right away. This is especially true if you’re getting the runaround from the production company in question.”
Can I Have a Workers’ Comp Claim AND a Personal Injury Claim
Yes, if you were injured by a third party, say an outside vendor, you possibly have two claims.
Here’s how it works:
Workers’ comp covers your medical bills and lost wages, no matter who’s at fault. But if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer, you may be able to also file a personal injury lawsuit against that third party.
Examples:
A property owner – You’re on location and injure yourself because of a hazard on someone’s property.
A manufacturer – A faulty set light explodes near you, causing burn injuries. You could have a case against the light manufacturer.
An outside vendor – Injuries caused by drivers, caterers, or, other people hired by the production company.
Workers’ comp doesn’t cover pain and suffering, but a personal injury claim can. So, the compensation you could receive from a personal injury lawsuit would likely be much higher than anything you’d get from workers’ comp.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Set injuries can get complicated fast. Productions can involve multiple companies, shifting crews, and lots of paperwork. Producers and others may try to shift the blame or delay getting back to you in the hopes you’ll go away. A personal injury lawyer with experience handling work injury claims can help you avoid all of that. Instead, they’ll:
- Make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time
- Pinpoint who the defendants are
- Fight for all the benefits and compensation you’re entitled to
- Figure out if you have a personal injury claim too
- Handle insurance negotiations so you can focus on getting better
Just as importantly, it costs you nothing to consult with or hire a personal injury lawyer. Most firms work on a contingency basis. That means you pay no legal fees or retainers up front. Instead, they get paid from a percentage of your settlement or verdict. You have nothing to lose by hiring them.
Final Take
Being on a set should be exciting—not dangerous. But if things go sideways, knowing your rights is key. Remember: all employers in California, even those with just one employee MUST have workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re seriously injured on the set while working as a paid actor, extra, or crew member, you have protections and can take legal action against those who caused your accident.
