Ski

$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

San Miguel County Resident Leads Class Action Against Telluride Ski and Golf for Alleged Wage Theft and Labor Violations

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Telluride, Colorado – A resident of San Miguel County has initiated a class action lawsuit against Telluride Ski and Golf (TSG), alleging violations of labor laws and wage theft. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in San Miguel County District Court, claims that TSG, which operates The Peaks Resort and Spa, has failed to comply with pertinent wage regulations. The primary plaintiff, Ruth Rivas, has been a Telluride resident since 2021 and worked at The Peaks as a housekeeper from June 2021 until January 2023. In her complaint, Rivas states that she often worked 15-hour shifts … 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