Netflix Crew Member Who Almost Died in 33-Foot Fall Pushes for Safer Sets: ‘We Want Things to Be Fixed’

Michael Oronoz, working as a grip at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, was working on the Netflix production of Me Time staring Mark Wahlberg and Kevin Hart when a gate, improperly installed and maintained, swung open unexpectedly, causing Michael to fall 33 feet onto a concrete floor.

Michael sustained multiple severe injuries, including fractures to both femurs, his jaw, orbital bone, wrists, a collapsed lung, and a brain bleed. He was airlifted to a specialized traumatic brain injury facility in Colorado, where he received life-saving care.

Michael sustained a serious traumatic brain injury in the fall and his life has been drastically altered ever since.

Now, Steel & Eisner’s own Alexander C. Eisner is suing the studio for their unforgivable negligence. Taking on Hollywood heavyweights has drawn in formidable legal teams representing both Netflix and Sunset Gower Studios, making this a high-stakes battle for justice.

Variety published an amazing article which can be forwarded to you by contacting John Tawlian.

“Whiplash” injuries is a derided term. TV comedies frequently dramatize this by showing a slight impact and the ‘victim’ is seen grabbing his neck demanding cash.

“Whiplash” injuries are real. And they are easier to prove than 20 years ago. Often cervical acceleration deceleration injuries, CADS [ h/t Art Croft] can be much more than a muscle strain.

Many times CADS do not awaken until several weeks following the trauma. The rule, however, the sooner the pain symptoms arise, the more likely the seriousness of the injury.

Most insurance doctors claim symptoms will dissipate within 90 days. Sometimes that is true.

Up to 40% of CADS patients develop chronic symptoms that last far longer than three months. Sometimes for years.

Whiplash-Associated Disorder [WAD] is a newer term given for a collection of

Chronic issues impacting the neck that include the following symptoms:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain is worse with neck movement
• Loss of range of motion
• Headaches from the base of the skull.
• Tenderness in the shoulder, upper back or arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Tiredness
• Disequilibrium
• Sensorimotor dysfunction
• Psychological disturbance.
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Insomnia
• Trouble focusing  

These injuries typically do not show in most imaging tests, although X-Rays can be helpful.

There are 5 essential Grades:

Grade 0 : no complaint

Grade 1 : pain, stiffness

Grade 2 : measurable decreased range of function

Grade 3: severe neurological signs, range of motion and point tenderness

Grade 4: fracture or dislocation

It’s not uncommon for a patient to change attorneys during a personal injury case, and this can complicate the lien process. When this happens, first, give the new attorney a chance to re-verify your lien. If they don’t respond, reach out directly to the patient. Your lien agreement creates an independent obligation for the patient to pay, no matter the case’s outcome or who represents them. Send the patient your bill and a copy of the signed lien agreement, highlighting where it states they owe you. Give them a 7-day deadline to settle the account. If they fail to pay, consider legal action, which often prompts the patient to address the issue with their new attorney—improving your chances of getting paid. Always remember, you are entitled to your full fee under the lien agreement. For more info, see our website.