Jill Stager v. Paramount Pictures Corporation

Case Background

On March 01, 2022, Jill Stager filed a premises liability lawsuit against Paramount Pictures Corporation where she was employed as a costumer. She alleged negligence in the maintenance of the premises after she fell into a hole on the stage. The case was filed in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Karen Moskowitz, Michelle C. Kim, and Steven A. Ellis presided over the lawsuit. [Case number: 22STCV07338]

Cause

On March 26, 2021, Jill Stager was working as a costumer for the television show “This Is Us.” at Defendant Paramount Studios, Stage 3, 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038,

She believed that the producer of the show had contracted with Defendant Does to use Stage 3 on their lot. During the production, the Defendants conducted maintenance and repair work at Stage 3. This work resulted in a hole forming in the stage surface.

While Stager walked on the stage, she fell into the hole. This incident caused her to suffer significant injuries and damages.

Damages

The Plaintiff experienced several hardships due to the incident. First, she faced wage loss, which impacted her financial stability. Additionally, she incurred significant hospital and medical expenses related to her treatment.

Moreover, she suffered general damages that further affected her well-being. The incident also resulted in a loss of earning capacity, which limited her future income potential. Furthermore, she endured pain and suffering as a direct result of her injuries.

The Plaintiff sought prejudgment interest and requested compensatory damages based on the evidence presented.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Jill Stager
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Jaren Krissman
  • Defendant(s): Paramount Pictures Corporation | Does 1-20
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Brendan J. Burton | Steven R. Parminter

Claims

Plaintiff Jill Stager claimed that Defendant Paramount Pictures Corporation’s actions were the legal cause of her damages. The Defendants Does acting as agents or employees of one another, negligently created and maintained unsafe conditions at their studio. This negligence led to Stager sustaining serious injuries.

Defense

Defendant Paramount Pictures denied the allegations of negligence levied against them. By way of affirmative defenses, they argued contributory negligence and claimed that the Plaintiff’s losses were caused by third-party negligence and superseding factors.

Jury Verdict

On August 19, 2024, the LA jury found that Defendant Paramount Pictures was negligent in the maintenance and use of the property and such negligence was the substantial cause of Plaintiff’s harm

  • Past economic loss (loss of earnings): $233,498.00
  • Future economic loss: $885,594.17
    • Lost earnings: $775,259.17
    • Medical expenses: $110,335.00
  • Past non-economic loss: $250,000
  • Future non-economic loss: $350,000

The total damages awarded came up to $1,719,092.17. No comparative negligence was found.

Court Documents:

Available upon request