When we think of celebrities, we often associate them with glamour, fame, and success. However, like anyone else, they are not immune to accidents and injuries in the workplace. You may be unaware that several famous personalities have been involved in workers’ compensation lawsuits, with some seeking compensation for damages and others being sued for injuries.
Since, on average, there are over 40,000 occupational injuries and illnesses that are annually reported to the Kansas Division of Workers’ Compensation, it’s no surprise that celebrities would be involved in some too. Many celebrities find themselves in legal cases that lead them to extreme debt, which they sometimes take years to recover from.
1. Dr. Phil
The market size for personal injury lawyers in 2022 was around $53 billion, according to IBIS World, and Dr. Phil had to hire one to defend himself after an incident with his dog. The famous TV psychologist was part of a personal injury case after his dog, Maggie, bit his longtime friend, Janet Harris. Harris claimed that the attack was unprovoked and resulted in severe injuries. Despite Robin McGraw, Dr. Phil’s wife, suggesting a hospital visit, he allegedly advised against it to avoid negative publicity. Harris’s condition worsened, leading to hearing loss and a tremor in her hand, ultimately forcing her to close down her clinic. Dr. Phil has asked for the lawsuit’s dismissal, citing an arbitration agreement signed by Harris.
2. Lindsay Lohan
Notorious for her legal troubles, Lindsay Lohan was involved in a personal injury case when a paparazzo accused her chauffeur of running him over while leaving a Hollywood club. The lawsuit named Lohan, her driver, and the management company. In 2013, Lohan settled with the paparazzo outside of court, bringing an end to the legal dispute.
3. Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels faced a personal injury case after he was hit on the head by a descending backdrop during a performance at the Tony Awards. Michaels claimed he had not received proper instructions and suffered a broken nose and a brain hemorrhage as a result. Since American employers pay around $90 million in lost work days every year because of scaffolding accidents, Michaels was fairly compensated for the accident.
4. Hulk Hogan
He might not have been directly responsible, but Hulk Hogan became involved in a personal injury case when his son, Nick Bollea, was involved in a car crash that critically injured John Graziano, a passenger in the vehicle. Bollea lost control of his car and crashed into a palm tree, leaving Graziano in a minimally conscious state. Hogan settled the lawsuit with the Graziano family after Bollea spent five months in jail.
5. Britney Spears
The princess of pop found herself in a legal battle with a former backup dancer who sustained a broken nose during a rehearsal. The dancer claimed that Spears, struggling with dance moves, accidentally hit her in the face while twirling. Despite promising to cover medical expenses, Spears failed to do so, resulting in a lawsuit.
6. Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield faced a personal injury lawsuit when a concertgoer, Vicki Calcagno, alleged that he fell on her during a performance at the New York State Fair in 2004. Calcagno claimed permanent injuries, but due to lack of evidence, including witnesses, photos, or videos, the jury ruled in favor of Springfield.
Celebrities might seem to have it all, but they’re still susceptible to workplace and personal injuries. Sometimes they fall on the job and get hurt, and others, people they employ get injured due to unsafe conditions. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter how famous or rich you are, you can still find yourself in extreme debt.
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