Broken Bones at Vail
Broken bones (fractures) are common accident injuries ranging from simple hairline fractures to complex compound fractures requiring surgical repair.
At Vail (Vail, Eagle County, elevation 11,570 ft), broken bones injuries are common due to the resort's 195 trails across 5,317 acres of terrain. The Colorado Ski Safety Act (C.R.S. § 33-44-101) affects liability, but resort negligence claims remain viable.
Broken Bones Settlement Ranges
| Severity | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Low Severity | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Medium Severity | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| High Severity / Catastrophic | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
These ranges are general estimates based on Colorado verdict and settlement data. Actual case values vary based on specific facts.
Medical Treatment & Case Impact
Treatment ranges from casting and immobilization for simple fractures to surgery with hardware (plates, screws, rods) for complex fractures. Recovery typically takes 6 weeks to 6 months. Complications include infection, non-union, chronic pain, and reduced range of motion.
Broken bone cases vary widely depending on the bone(s) involved, whether surgery was required, and whether the fracture causes permanent limitations. Compound fractures, multiple fractures, and fractures requiring hardware tend to have the highest settlements under Colorado law.
Ski Safety Act Considerations
Under the Colorado Ski Safety Act (C.R.S. 33-44-101 et seq.), Vail Resorts is protected from liability for injuries arising from inherent risks of skiing. However, the resort remains liable for negligent grooming, failure to mark hazards, lift malfunctions, reckless ski patrol or employee behavior, and inadequate signage. Vail's extensive terrain, including ungroomed bowls and expert chutes, creates areas where the line between inherent risk and resort negligence may be disputed. Documented cases of grooming negligence and unmarked obstacles on Vail's runs have resulted in significant settlements.