Ski Lift Injury In Pennsylvania
Skiing and snowboarding are fun physical activities. There is a certain amount of risk of injury involved in both sports. But, ski slopes still have a duty to maintain a safe property. A terrible ski lift injury in Pennsylvania highlights the dangers of poor maintenance.
Camelback Resort Tragedy
In 2021, a family visited Camelback Mountain in the Poconos. The family rode the ski lifts. Parents were split between two carts with their children while riding to the top of the mountain.
There was a problem with the safety of the ski lift. Witnesses report seeing the cable shake violently but ride operators did not shut it down. A lift cart broke free. The father and two of his children fell to the ground. The mother was in a cart behind them with more of the couple’s children.
Serious Ski Lift Injuries
The father and his two children survived the fall, but they each have terrible injuries that will affect the rest of their lives. While most physical sports involve some risk of injury, a falling ski lift is not a typical risk.
Assumption Of Risk
When people participate in physical sports, they assume a certain amount of risk of injury. This means, there are certain injuries that are common within the sport. For example, a football player might expect to be injured or suffer a concussion when tackled.
In a similar example, a football player would not expect the goalpost to fall on them. Business owners are expected to provide a reasonably safe experience for customers.
Ski Resort Liability
Who is responsible for this terrible incident? Is a falling ski lift a normal risk associated with skiing or snowboarding? No. A falling ski lift is likely the result of improper inspection, maintenance, or repair.
In this situation specifically, there are witness reports that the lift was swaying erratically before the bench fell to the ground. It’s possible the staff didn’t have the training to recognize the situation before the tragedy.
Premises Liability Lawsuits
Similar to an elevator or escalator, a ski lift injury is a premises liability issue. A business is required to provide a reasonably safe property and experience for customers.
Nothing Can Undo This Tragedy
While nothing can undo this tragedy, it is possible to prevent future tragedies. Wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits force companies to maintain or improve safety. Because it doesn’t care about safety, a lawsuit hits the business where it does care – money.
Ski Resort Lawsuits
If you or a loved one are harmed by the negligence of a business, talk to an experienced injury attorney. Haggerty Silverman & Justice specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Contact us for a free consultation with an injury attorney. We can help you understand how the law applies. If you have a claim, we can help you get the compensation you deserve.