Dordick Law Corporation has secured a major step forward in the Rust shooting litigation, with the Court denying summary judgment and allowing the case to proceed to trial.
This high-profile case has drawn national attention, with coverage from major outlets such as Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and ABC, among others. It is led by Gary A. Dordick, alongside Partner John Upton and Associate Attorney Michelle Dordick.
Holding the Industry to Its Own Safety Standards
From the outset, this case has been about accountability.
Basic, industry-standard firearm safety protocols were not followed. A firearm was not properly checked, and it was directed toward individuals on set, conduct that violates the most fundamental safety rules of any professional production.
This case is not just about what happened; it is about what should never have been allowed to happen.
As noted by The Washington Post, this lawsuit is about more than financial recovery. It is about driving awareness and meaningful change in film set safety practices.
The Human Cost of Negligence
Mr. Svetnoy was not a distant observer; he was there. He held his friend Halyna Hutchins as she died.
The trauma from that moment is real, lasting, and significant. This case includes claims for severe emotional distress, reflecting the profound psychological impact of witnessing a preventable tragedy unfold. Negligence is not limited to physical injury. When safety failures lead to catastrophic events, the emotional harm suffered by those present carries real legal weight.
The Case Moves to Trial
The Court denied motions for summary judgment filed by Rust Movie Productions and Baldwin, clearing the path for a jury to hear about the case. What began as a tentative ruling was affirmed as the Court’s final decision following oral argument. The trial is currently set for October 12th 2026.
As Dordick Law Corporation Partner John Upton shared with Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone:
“We are pleased with the Court’s decision to deny the motions for summary judgment brought by Rust Movie Productions and Alex Baldwin. These rulings enable our client to present his case at a jury trial, now scheduled for October of this year. He looks forward to finally having his day in court on this long-pending matter.”
Moving Forward
This ruling ensures that our client will have the opportunity to present his case before a jury, where questions of responsibility and accountability belong.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and to advancing safety standards that protect everyone on set.
