Ski Lift Cases
The issues of liability in ski lift cases, when the injury occurs after loading and before unloading, will focus on the conduct of the lift attendant and the procedures followed in the event of a mishap. For a lift failure, the ski area operator may be found liable for poor maintenance or negligent operation. If the lift is found to be dangerous, it may be the responsibility of an engineering, design or manufacturing firm for a defective lift.
For more discussion, click here - ski lift accidents.
Ski Lift Cases of Note*
- Donahue v. Vail Summit Resorts - Lift operator fails to clear fallen snowboarder from unloading ramp
- Bayer v. Crested Butte - Colorado ski lift without restraining bars, Colorado Supreme Court holds that ski area operator owes highest duty of care in the operation of its lifts
- Read To Bar or Not to Bar - Commentary on Bayer
- Otálora v. Vail - Lift accident resulting in shoulder injury
* Ski lift accidents and cases are more frequent than this brief list would suggest, but due to the severity of the resulting injuries and the negative impact of a trial in such a case, the defendant ski areas typically settle these claims - but require complete confidentiality.
