GUNNISON, Colo. — A jury has awarded $20 million to Annie Miller, a young woman who became paralyzed after a tragic accident on a ski lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 2022. The case has sparked significant attention regarding safety regulations in the ski industry.
Miller, then 16, was on a ski trip with her church youth group from Oklahoma when the incident occurred. As she attempted to board the Paradise Express Lift with her father, she was not fully seated when the chair began its ascent. Eyewitnesses reported that Miller called out for help, but the lift continued to rise, ultimately leading to her fall from a height of 30 feet onto packed snow.
In her legal battle against the resort, which is owned by Vail Resorts, Miller claimed negligence and breaches of state safety regulations. Though the resort sought to dismiss the case citing a liability waiver signed by Miller, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled such waivers could not shield companies from claims involving illegal negligence, enabling the trial to move forward.
After deliberating, the jury assigned 75% of the fault to the ski resort for failing to adhere to operational safety standards for the lift. Miller was held 25% responsible, as the jury considered her acceptance of risk related to the waiver she signed. The awarded damages are intended to cover extensive medical costs and potential future lost earnings due to her injuries.
Following the verdict, an emotional Miller expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s a good day. I’m beyond grateful to the jury for holding Crested Butte responsible, and I hope something good comes out of it.”
The resort, through its attorney Craig May, acknowledged the gravity of Miller’s situation. He offered words of support for her ongoing recovery, stating that the resort wishes her family strength during this difficult time.
The verdict is poised to influence ski resorts across the country, prompting reevaluations of safety measures and liability policies. This case underscores the complexities surrounding recreational waivers and raises questions about the extent to which they can protect organizations from negligence claims, particularly when state regulations are involved.
As conversations about ski safety evolve, this ruling marks a critical moment in the dialogue about accountability in recreational activities, emphasizing the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols in the industry.
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