Which Final Destination Kills Have Actually Happened?

For many of us, the fear of traveling behind a log truck or getting on a plane can be traced back to “Final Destination”, the movie franchise that stands behind the notion that when it’s someone’s time to go, it’s their time to go. The franchise is best known for its gruesome death scenes after the movie characters somehow seemed to escape death the first time around. But, are these deaths real or just Hollywood fiction? You might be surprised.

Types of Personal Injury Accidents in “Final Destination” Films

Many of the movie’s death scenes are based on injuries that happen in real life. Research into 300,000 emergency room visits for a recent year was recently conducted to determine which of the deaths in the franchise’s five films have occurred in real life. According to this data, the annual number of injuries associated with the various causes of death depicted in the films include:

Ladder-related injuries – 4,162
Scaling or moving fences – 2,121
Lifting weights – 930
Scalded with oil – 335
Lawn mower accidents – 229
Escalator trips or malfunctions – 211
Shot with a nail gun – 160
Roller coaster accidents – 14
Barbecue burns – 10
Tanning bed burn – 1

These statistics highlight just how frequently seemingly mundane activities can result in serious injuries. Many of these accidents stem from everyday tasks, such as home maintenance or recreational activities, that most people wouldn’t associate with high risks. For instance, while roller coaster accidents or tanning bed burns may seem like rare occurrences, ladder falls or escalator trips happen far more often and can lead to significant injuries. It’s important to recognize that, despite the exaggerated nature of the Final Destination films, the underlying causes of these injuries are grounded in reality.

To reduce the likelihood of these accidents, safety measures should always be a priority. Following proper procedures when using equipment like ladders or nail guns, being mindful of surroundings near escalators or fences, and understanding the risks associated with certain activities can prevent many of these injuries. Proper training and adherence to safety standards can go a long way in avoiding potentially life-altering accidents.

Are These Accidents Likely to Occur?

Many of the personal injuries the franchise depicts are common in the United States, including injuries caused by:

Falls
Ladders
Fences
Escalators
Weight-lifting
Oil burns

Though accidents like roller coaster injuries or tanning bed burns are uncommon, they do still happen, just not as frequently. Roller coaster accidents, for example, often occur due to mechanical failures or human error, though rigorous safety protocols in amusement parks help minimize such incidents. Tanning bed burns, while rare, can happen due to prolonged exposure or faulty equipment. These less frequent injuries serve as reminders that even activities perceived as low-risk can carry potential dangers. Staying vigilant and following safety guidelines can help mitigate the risks associated with these uncommon but possible accidents.

General Safety Tips for Preventing Common Accidents

Accidents can happen during everyday activities. By taking precautions and being mindful of potential risks, many of these injuries can be avoided. Here are some practical tips to help prevent common accidents:

Use Ladders Properly: Always place ladders on stable, level ground and ensure they’re fully opened and locked. Avoid overreaching and keep three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) when climbing.
Be Cautious Around Escalators: Stand still, hold onto the handrails, and make sure loose clothing or shoelaces are secured. Avoid allowing children to play near the escalator’s moving parts.
Practice Safe Weightlifting: Use proper form and avoid lifting heavy weights without a spotter. Start with manageable weights and progress gradually to avoid injury.
Handle Hot Oil with Care: When cooking with hot oil, keep a lid nearby to smother potential fires and avoid adding water or frozen items to prevent dangerous splatters.
Avoid Climbing Fences: Use proper entryways instead of scaling fences. If you must climb, be cautious of unstable surfaces or sharp edges that could cause serious injury.
Check Equipment Regularly: Whether using a lawn mower, nail gun, or barbecue grill, always inspect equipment for defects before use to avoid malfunctions that could lead to injury.

Personal Injuries Our Law Firm Handles

While our firm may not always represent clients who were injured in accidents as gruesome as those depicted in the films, our El Paso personal injury attorneys do handle various types of personal injury cases, many of which are depicted in the “Final Destination” films, including:

Car accidents, including accidents involving texting while driving, drunk driving accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions, and highway car accidents

Trucking accidents, including accidents involving distracted drivers, fatigue, or improperly loaded trucks

Motorcycle accidents, including those that cause catastrophic injuries, arm injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, or road rash

Workplace injuries, including construction injuries

Slips and falls, including apartment injuries, negligent security cases, commercial property accidents, and negligent maintenance cases

Defective products, including toxic baby food, hernia mesh, 3M combat earplugs, and JUUL cases

Injured in an Accident? Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC

If you were recently injured in an incident caused by another person’s negligence, the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC can help. We have more than 30 years of combined legal experience and the resources and skills necessary to pursue the fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable car accident attorney who can discuss your legal options following a personal injury.

Our dedicated team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can take on your life. That’s why we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. With a strong track record of success, we will guide you through the legal process every step of the way. Don’t wait to protect your rights.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...