Colorado Jury Awards $12.4 Million Over Ski Lift Fall Negligence

A Colorado jury awarded $12.4 million to Annie Miller, who was paralyzed after falling 30 feet from a chairlift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 2022, a landmark case that challenged ski resort liability waivers. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that standard liability waivers do not protect ski resorts from negligence claims if they violate state laws or safety regulations, enabling Miller's lawsuit to proceed. The jury found Crested Butte Mountain Resort, owned by Vail Resorts, 75% responsible for the accident due to failure to stop the lift despite Miller's difficulty seating, while assigning Miller 25% fault. This verdict is significant because it limits ski resorts’ long-held immunity from lawsuits based on liability waivers and could impact how ski resorts and similar recreational businesses manage safety and legal risk going forward. Vail Resorts has expressed disagreement with the decision but acknowledged the personal toll on Miller and her family. The ruling may prompt increased scrutiny and changes in industry practices, especially regarding chairlift safety and operator responsibilities.