Fast and Furious producers confess liability following a stunt performer suffering severe injuries.
Variety reported that Joe Watts, a seasoned stunt performer with an impressive resume working on films, including Solo: A Star Wars Story and Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, suffered serious injuries while shooting F9: The Fast Saga.
Watts was rehearsing a fight scene at Leavesden Studios in 2019, standing in for the franchise’s main star Vin Diesel.
However, things took an ugly turn when a safety wire malfunctioned, leading him to be hurled over a balcony before slamming him onto a concrete floor from a height of over 20 feet.
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As a result, the stunt performer sustained a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, psychiatric injury, and damage to his shoulder.
He was in a coma for five days following the accident.
His lawyers claim Watts has ‘a series of cognitive and physical issues’ that have completely changed his life.
Last year, Watts filed a lawsuit against FF9 Pictures Limited, a subsidiary of Universal Pictures in the UK, seeking claims for over $1.2 million (£939,98), lodged in the UK High Court.
His lawyers also revealed in the lawsuit that Watts will not be able to return to his work as a stunt performer, adding: “If he is able to work, he will suffer a permanent handicap on the labor market.”
Since his filing, FF9 Pictures Limited has taken accountability for the accident.
“It is admitted that the sole cause of the accident was the negligence of [FF9 Pictures Limited] its servants or agents or those for whom it is vicariously liable,” a defense filing made by the company said, as per the outlet
“Liability is therefore admitted in full and it is accordingly admitted that [Watts] is entitled to such damages as the court may assess or as the parties may agree.”
The company added it would make ‘no further admissions’ right now.
Watts told the outlet he was grateful the company ultimately admitted fault.
“It’s been almost four years since the accident, and during that time I’ve worked incredibly hard on my recovery. I know I’ll never get back to performing, which still upsets me, but I’m determined to get my life back on track as best I can,” he said.
“I’m therefore grateful that FF9 Limited has admitted liability and I now call on the film industry to make their sets safer for those working on it. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone.”
Topics: Fast and Furious, Film and TV, News, Entertainment
Charisa Bossinakis