Utah court: Ski resorts can be liable
Tue Dec 18, 3:06 PM ET
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Supreme Court says ski resorts are not off the hook for skier injuries if some accidents are preventable.
The decision Tuesday comes in a lawsuit filed by a Snowbird skier who collided with a wall made of railroad ties that was hidden by snow. The man suffered broken ribs, a kidney injury, liver damage and a collapsed lung.
Snowbird claimed William Rothstein waived his rights when he signed a release to ski at the resort. Utah law protects resorts from liability from the inherent risks of skiing, such as falling or hitting a tree.
But the Supreme Court says that law doesn't cover everything. The decision reinstates Rothstein's lawsuit against Snowbird.