'Transformers 3' Extra Hit in Head by Cable, Gets $18.5M Settlement
An Illinois judge has approved an $18.5 million settlement to be paid to a Transformers 3 extra who was injured during a September 2010 shoot.
Gabriella Cedillo and about 80 other extras were asked to drive their own vehicles at the time of the accident. While filming the shot, a cable pulling a stunt vehicle snapped and crashed through her window. It hit her head and caused her to car to fly into a road divider.
The Transformers extra suffers from permanent brain damage and is paralyzed on the left side of her body. She has acquired over $350,000 in medical bills as a result, according to NBC. Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks allegedly promised to pay these bills after the injury, but Cedillo's lawyer told the network they did everything they could to avoid payment.
The lawyer also claims the wielding that secured the cable to the stunt car was reportedly inadequate, reports gossip site TMZ. The studios are also accused of failing to properly train extras and to ensure the safety of personnel.
Because this is a negligence suit, it's likely that Gabriella Cedillo's payout covers the following:
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future care expenses, especially if she needs in-home help
- Cost of her car
So while $18.5 seems like a lot to give the Transformers extra, it's really not. Gabriella Cedillo will likely need help for the rest of her life.
Related Resources:
- 'Transformers 3' extra receives $18.5 million settlement in accident (Chicago Sun-Times)
- Economic Recovery for Accidents and Injuries (FindLaw)
- 'Transformers 3' Stunt Injury Spawns Lawsuit (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
