NEWSRosie Perez Sues 'Law & Order: SVU'
May 19 2011, Published 2:37 p.m. ET
Talk about a pain in the neck! Literally. Academy Award-nominated actress Rosie Perez is suing production companies behind Law and Order: Special Victims Unit for an undisclosed amount. She suffered from neck injuries directly related to the show!
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According to The Daily News, papers were filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court based on the production companies' negligence related to her numerous neck injuries. In a 2009 shoot, Rosie experienced several herniated discs in her neck after an extra forcibly shook her.
In the scene, Rosie played an irate mother and stuck her head inside a car to choke another mom before a school crossing guard pulled her away. Referring to one of the takes, Rosie's lawyer Brian O'Dwyer told the newspaper, "I guess he got carried away with the scene."
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Since then, the 46-year-old actress underwent two operations, one of which included spinal fusion last summer. Bone marrow was transplanted from her pelvis into her vertebrae. She ended up attending a White House event in a wheelchair and neck brace!
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"She's still suffering severe pain, numbness of the arms, and she'll never be the same despite the surgery," said her attorney. Plus, Rosie has missed out on almost a year's worth of work due to the injuries and recovery.
As for the dollar amount she's seeking? The suit actually doesn't outline a dollar sign. Combining the severity of the injury and lifelong nature of it, along with Rosie's earning potential, Brian said the damages will be "very substantial."
