Worker Samuel Koch files a lawsuit seeking workplace accident acknowledgment
Samuel Koch, a 23-year-old author and actor, suffered paralysis in a stunt during the live broadcast of the ZDF show "Wetten, dass..?" in 2010. Now, the Federal Social Court (BSG) in Kassel will decide whether Koch's accident will be recognised as a work accident at the end of this month.
Koch's appearance on the show was primarily motivated by his economic interest in presenting his abilities and becoming known. He assembled his own six-member betting team for the show and even acted as his own director. The stunt in question involved Koch jumping over five approaching cars with spring boots in a forward somersault.
Unfortunately, it was during the jump over the fourth vehicle that Koch fell, resulting in his paralysis. Despite this, the professional association and social courts in Mannheim and Baden-Württemberg rejected the recognition of Koch's accident as a work accident. They argued that the circumstances of the accident were not sufficiently connected to the insured professional activity to qualify for official recognition and benefits.
Koch disagreed with this decision and filed an appeal. The decision regarding Koch's insurance coverage as a contestant on the show will be made by the 2nd Senate of the BSG on September 24, 2021 at 13:00.
If the BSG rules in Koch's favour, it could potentially impact insurance coverage for contestants on similar reality TV shows. The BSG states that Koch concluded a non-paid participation contract with ZDF for the stunt, which could be seen as a step towards recognising him as a contestant with some form of employment status.
The lower courts saw no insurance coverage in Koch's honorary position on the show, but the decision by the Federal Social Court could have far-reaching implications for contestants on reality TV shows who take part in dangerous stunts. The public will be watching closely to see the outcome of this important case.
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