Liability

$12.4 Million Ruling Shakes Up Ski Resort Liability as Court Holds Crested Butte Accountable for Chairlift Injury

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Annie Miller, a 16-year-old from Oklahoma, was left paralyzed after a tragic accident on the Paradise Express chairlift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in March 2022. A recent ruling awarded her $12.4 million after a jury found that safety standards were violated during the incident, marking a significant milestone in liability disputes surrounding ski resorts. Miller was skiing with her church group when she fell approximately 30 feet from the chairlift. Her family contended that the lift operators acted negligently; they failed to halt the chairlift when Miller was unable to load properly. Despite her … Read more

Colorado Jury Awards $21 Million in Landmark Ski Lift Case, Challenging Resort Liability Protections

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Crested Butte, Colorado — A jury has awarded $21 million to a 20-year-old woman who was left paralyzed after a fall from a ski lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort three years ago. The verdict marks a significant development in liability matters for ski operators. The jury’s decision follows a pivotal ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which stated last year that liability waivers do not prevent ski resorts from facing legal action if they violate state laws or regulations. This ruling paved the way for Annie Miller’s lawsuit, potentially changing the landscape for ski-related … Read more

Resort’s Liability Waiver Fails to Protect Against $21M Verdict in Ski Lift Accident

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A jury in Idaho has ruled against a resort, ordering it to pay $21 million following a serious incident involving a malfunctioning ski lift. The case raises critical questions about liability and the extent to which waivers can protect resort operators from legal action. The incident occurred when a ski lift malfunctioned, causing several patrons to fall and sustain injuries. The jury found that the resort had been negligent in maintaining the ski lift, which ultimately led to the injuries. Despite the resort’s defense that various waivers signed by the victims protected them from liability, … Read more

Colorado Jury Awards $21 Million to Paralysis Victim After Ski Lift Accident, Challenging Resort Liability Protections

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A jury in Brighton, Colorado, awarded $21 million to Annie Miller, who was left paralyzed after a fall from a ski lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort three years ago. The decision follows a significant ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court over a year prior, which found that liability waivers cannot shield ski resorts in cases where they violate state laws or safety regulations. This ruling facilitated Miller’s lawsuit and may have implications for future claims against ski resorts. Miller’s legal representative, Brian Aleinikoff, noted that the verdict could create opportunities for skiers to hold … Read more