Colorado Jury Awards $20 Million to Teen Paralyzed in Ski Lift Fall

In a landmark decision, a Colorado jury has awarded $20 million in damages to Annie Miller, a young woman who was left paralyzed after a devastating fall from a ski lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 2022.

At just 16 years old, Miller was enjoying a ski trip with her Oklahoma church youth group when tragedy struck. While attempting to board the Paradise Express Lift alongside her father, Miller was not fully seated before the chair ascended. Despite her cries for help, the lift continued to rise. 

Eyewitnesses recounted her desperate cries for help as the lift continued to rise. Despite her father's valiant attempt to hold onto her, Miller fell 30 feet onto hard-packed snow, sustaining severe injuries that resulted in her paralysis.

Miller’s lawsuit against the resort, which is owned by industry giant Vail Resorts, alleged negligence and violations of state safety regulations. While the resort initially sought to dismiss the case based on a liability waiver signed by Miller, the Colorado Supreme Court intervened, ruling that such waivers do not provide immunity from illegal acts of negligence. This pivotal decision paved the way for the case to proceed to trial.

Following deliberations, the jury apportioned 75% of the fault to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, finding that the resort had breached state regulations concerning lift operations. The jury assigned 25% of the responsibility to Miller, citing her acceptance of risk upon signing the waiver. The $20 million award is intended to cover Miller’s extensive medical expenses and compensate for her future lost earnings.

Outside the courtroom, a visibly moved Annie Miller shared her relief. “It’s a good day,” she stated. "I’m beyond grateful to the jury for holding Crested Butte responsible, and I hope something good comes out of it."

Representing the resort, attorney Craig May expressed sympathy for Miller and her family. “We recognize the personal toll this accident has taken on Ms. Miller and her family and we wish her continued strength in her recovery,” he said.

This verdict is expected to have far-reaching implications for ski resorts nationwide, prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and liability policies. The case highlights the complex legal terrain surrounding recreational waivers and the extent to which they can protect companies from claims of negligence, particularly when state safety regulations are at issue.