Bret Michaels v. CBS – Head Injury at the Tony Awards

Accident on Broadway’s Biggest Night

Bret Michaels is the lead vocalist of 80s glam metal band Poison and was the host of the VH1’s “Rock of Love with Bret Michaels.” Michaels rode his comeback wave all the way to the 2009 CBS Tony Awards when he joined a live rendition of his hit song “Nothin’ But a Good Time.” When the song ended, the cowboy hat-rocking frontman blew a kiss to the crowd, turned to exit the stage, and smacked his face on a descending set piece as he fell to the floor. The live broadcast showed the head injury and then quickly faded to the next performance by Stockard Channing (Rizzo of “Grease” fame).

A Critical Head Injury

The blow fractured Michaels’ nose, cut his lip, and according to show host Neil Patrick Harris, brought new meaning to the term “headbanging.” Instead of hitting after-parties, Michaels was getting X-rays. But ten months later he was rushed to the hospital with an excruciating headache. Doctors said he suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage and he was hospitalized for over a month. The rocker regretfully canceled several upcoming concerts to complete his treatment. All this, in his opinion, was caused by his initial injuries at the Tony Awards.

Negligent Hosts or a Careless Guest

Michaels sued CBS for his medical treatment and lost income opportunities. Michaels argued the producers failed their duty to protect him from the hazards on stage. Specifically, they negligently instructed him how to exit and failed to warn him of the descending set pieces. The producers countered that Michaels was the careless actor. They said Michaels missed his mark while leaving the stage, which the rest of the band made. These issues never made it to court, because both sides settled privately.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim

A case involving descending set pieces, live TV humiliation, and an aging rock star may seem extraordinary. But injuries occurring on another property from dangerous conditions are common to personal injury claims. And it is also common for minor injuries to develop into something more serious. If you are involved in any type of accident, go see a doctor and get proper care for your injuries. Then call the trusted personal injury law firm Sam & Ash Injury Law to find out how we can help you pursue your claim for compensation. We are here to discuss your case any time at 1 (800) 304-2000.

Author: Sam Mirejovsky

For more than 20 years, Sam Mirejovsky has been helping people who have been hurt due to negligence and wrongdoing. Bringing a client-centered approach to every case, Sam believes that getting the care you need and the justice you deserve is only achieved when you take the time to understand your client and their personal circumstances. This mindset has helped him change the landscape of personal injury law and recover millions of dollars for injured people and their families.