"OBJECT" ON SKI TRAIL MAY CREATE LEGAL LIABILITY

On Christmas Eve a young man from Cheshire Conn. was killed while snow boarding at Killington Ski Resort. According to press reports the incident may have been caused by an "object" on the ski trail. Alex Westphal, 20, was home from college for the holidays when the tragic incident occurred. It is not yet clear what the "object" was or why it was on the trail.

Ski areas in Vermont enjoy legislation protecting them from liability for serious injury and death, unless the incident was caused by a unreasonable manmade hazard. The laws are spelled out in Vt. St. Ann. tit. 12, § 1037 and related statutes.
For more details about the Vermont Law go here .

For press coverage of the tragic incident the following: Cheshire Herald,  and Times Argus.

While the inherent dangers in snow boarding and skiing are well recognized, it is important that ski resorts be held responsible for serious injury and death caused by unreasonable manmade hazards found in these areas. Accidents are often caused by ski lift defects, improper placement and maintenance of snow making equipment and poor supervision of patrons. Many accidents causing serious injury and death might be avoided by proper ski area maintenance and supervision practices.

The law firm of Van Dorn & Curtiss has extensive experience with legal claims against ski resorts for serious injury and death caused by unreasonable manmade hazards.