A Colorado jury has awarded $12.4 million in damages to a young woman who suffered life-altering injuries after falling from a ski lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The case highlights ongoing debates about safety in the ski industry and accountability for resorts.
Annie Miller, who was 16 at the time of the incident in March 2022, fell approximately 30 feet from the Paradise Express lift, resulting in a shattered vertebra that left her paralyzed and unable to walk. Now 20, Miller is a junior at the University of Tulsa, studying music and psychology.
The legal battle began when Miller and her family sued Vail Resorts, claiming negligence. During the trial, Miller’s attorney, Brian Aleinikoff, emphasized the importance of enforcing safety standards within the ski industry. He argued that adherence to these standards could help protect guests who come to enjoy their time on the slopes.
Vail Resorts, however, has publicly disagreed with the jury’s verdict, asserting that it contradicts state law. In a statement released following the decision, the company acknowledged the personal challenges Miller has faced due to her injuries and reiterated its commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
Initially, the lawsuit faced significant hurdles. Vail Resorts claimed it was protected from negligence lawsuits by a safety waiver signed by the family. This defense has historically been effective; courts often sided with ski resorts in negligence claims. However, a ruling from the Colorado Supreme Court in 2024 significantly altered that dynamic. The court determined that liability waivers cannot shield resorts from responsibility if they fail to comply with state safety regulations.
This landmark ruling led to the reopening of Miller’s case in Broomfield County, where jurors deliberated over nine days before rendering their decision. The jury concluded that Vail Resorts had indeed violated safety protocols established by the American National Standards Institute for chairlifts, a finding that legal experts like Aleinikoff say may set a precedent for future cases against ski resorts.
Initially, the jury awarded Miller a total of nearly $21 million, including $5.2 million for non-economic damages and $10.5 million for lost income. However, jurors ultimately found that Vail Resorts was not solely to blame for the incident, resulting in a reduced total award of $15.8 million. After accounting for Colorado’s caps on non-economic damages, Miller’s final award totaled approximately $12.4 million.
The ramifications of this case could extend beyond Miller, impacting the broader outdoor recreation industry. As discussions about safety standards intensify, the outcome may influence how ski resorts operate and the legal defenses they utilize in future lawsuits.
The case has drawn significant attention not only for its emotional impact but also for its implications for ski resort accountability. As the legal landscape changes, both patrons and operators are closely observing how adherence to safety standards might evolve in the years to come.
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