A former Cirque du Soleil acrobat is suing the Nevada branch of the circus troupe for $1 million US over injuries she suffered in an accident, according to reports from Fox News.
Olga Vershinina fractured her back, pelvis and toes in a fall in April 2006 while she was practising for the Cirque's Zumanity show in Las Vegas.
Vershinina, now 30, was practising an aerial routine performed on long white drapes.
She required five surgeries and claims in her suit that the $1 million US will cover medical expenses.
Her statement of claim said the fall was caused by unsafe practices at Cirque du Soleil, where she had worked for six months.
Her doctors have advised her against working again as an acrobat.
Alan Jose Silva, her partner during the rehearsal session, also fell and suffered minor injuries.
Cirque du Soleil officials say safety is of utmost importance in their shows and the fall was "unfortunate."
The aerial routine has been pulled from the show after another fall by acrobats performing it.
Another performer is recovering from an accident during a December performance of Saltimbanco in Montreal.
James Clowney, 35, suffered leg and ankle fractures after he broke a 12-metre fall by another acrobat, Yannick Blackburn.
Clowney is being credited with saving Blackburn's life.
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