Skier Injured On Lift Claimed Ski Area Operated Lift Negligently
Personal Injury Ski Accident At New England Ski Area
Client falls 20 feet from ski lift chair
$3.25 million settlement
Client, 60 years old, fell 20 feet from a high-speed quad chair lift at a New England ski area. Client claimed the base chair lift attendant did not pay proper attention to her chair during the loading process, or respond to riders’ cries for help when she obviously misloaded. Client maintained the ski area negligently trained the lift attendant and violated the applicable consumer protection statute by, among other things, failing to comply with regulations or laws meant for the protection of the skiing public’s safety.
As a result of the fall, Client sustained serious injuries, including fractures to her hip and shoulder. After total hip replacement surgery, Client developed heterotopic ossification, or abnormal bone growth, in the muscles adjacent to the hip fracture. Client claimed she suffered permanent functional impairment of her hip and would likely require revision surgery during her lifetime.
The defendant ski area denied liability and disputed damages.
The matter resolved in mediation.