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

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

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

Landmark Ruling: Colorado Jury Awards $12.4 Million to Woman Paralyzed in Ski Lift Accident

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 … Read more

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

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