‘Ghost Rider 2’ Stuntman Sues Sony

Ghost Rider 2 stuntman Michael Gaboff has filed suit against Sony Pictures Entertainment for a stunt gone horribly wrong to promote the DVD of the film (aka Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance), Deadline reported on Saturday, March 9.

The stunt was to involve Gaboff being set afire after which he would ride up a ramp, leap over a lake, and land in the water, the Deadline report stated.

Unfortunately for Gaboff, he landed instead on hard ground, breaking several bones in the process, including his lower neck and back. Additionally, he sustained second-degree burns.

According to court documents filed with a Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, March 8, Gaboff alleged that the production team showed “a conscious disregard” for his safety in bringing the stunt to life.

The suit also claimed the Ghost Rider 2 stuntman was “rendered sick, sore, lame, disabled, and disordered, both internally and externally.” The claim also stated that Gaboff endured “numerous internal and external injuries, severe fright, shock, pain, discomfort, and anxiety.”

In all, Gaboff estimated that he had sustained up to $1 million in medical expenses, long-term injuries that could be permanent, and loss of income due to an inability to work.

ABC News aired portions of the accident in June 2012 (see video below). It’s likely Sony will end up settling out of a court, as a judgment could get pricey.

Regardless, the box office figures would indicate the company has the ability to pay. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance made close to $81 million in profit when you factor in worldwide take, and that was in spite of finishing only third in its opening weekend.

Of course, the possibility exists that Sony could argue Gaboff knew of the risks involved with a stunt of this nature. Do you believe the Ghost Rider 2 stuntman has a case against his employers, or do the risks come with the territory?

http://youtu.be/nh55zvXg8vE