Posted on 12/21/2007 5:18:20 AM PST by Mr. Brightside
Man, 60, sues boy, 8, over ski collision
Thu Dec 20, 10:51 PM ET
VAIL, Colo. - A 60-year-old man is taking an 8-year-old boy and his dad to court, claiming the boy caused a ski-slope collision that left the older man with a shoulder injury.
David J. Pfahler of Allentown, Pa., sued in federal court in Denver, claiming Scott Swimm, then 7, was skiing fast and recklessly when they collided in January, the Vail Daily reported Thursday.
The suit claims Pfahler suffered a torn shoulder tendon and seeks compensation for physical therapy, vacation time, nursing and medical services provided by Pfahler's wife, and other expenses. It estimates the couple's losses at more than $75,000.
Scott's father, Robb Swimm, said that he saw the crash and that Scott was skiing slowly and in control.
"It wasn't a violent collision or anything; Scott just kind of tapped his ski boots," he said this week.
Scott's mother, Susan Swimm, said her son weighs 48 pounds and couldn't have been going more than 10 mph.
"Who in the world sues a child?" she said. "It just boggles my mind every day."
Pfahler's Denver attorney, Jim Chalat, declined to comment on specifics but says Pfahler, who works for Reader's Digest, wants to go back to work.
Yeah, an 8 year old kid just threw a snowball at my head today- but he was only going 10 mph.
I hate to say it, but this becomes the wrong message to kids: if you cause a ski collision, keep on skiing and don’t look back.
We need laws on ski slopes!! That’s it more laws and throw some money at the problem, that’ll make it go away!
Right then. Let me drop a 50lb bundle of shingles on her from a 20 foot ladder. It should be going about 10 mph when it hits her.
As with any other sport, skiing comes with the potential for accidents. If you’re not willing to deal with the injuries you could possibly incur, don’t participate in sports!
Mixed feelings about this one.
Already posted, I believe
You can get a ticket from the ski patrol from skiing out of control. We used to live in Colorado and skied many of the resorts. Loads of kids ski out of control. I never saw one ticket given to those who think it’s fun to ski too close and, inevitably, have collisions. If he wants to sue, it should be the ski patrol for not taking care of business. My sister had to have both knees rebuilt from collisions with out of control skiers.
It essentially says that on all lift tickets and on signs around the ski area. You assume all risks, whether from rocks, trees or other skiers. The most that should happen is the kid (if he was skiing out of control) would lose his lift ticket.
I'm 49 and still skiing.... but I know there will come a time when I gotta quit.
No grounds for a lawsuit in my opinion........
I can see both sides of this, too. I take the father’s account with a grain of salt, as I’ve seen kids like this who were out of control and cause collisions. The lawsuit doesn’t sit well with me, but I’m not in this guy’s shoes.
Common sense is becoming a think of the past. Sad to see it go...maybe someday, it will come back
Jerry: Kramer, you’re fighting children?!
Kramer: We’re all at the same skill level, Jerry.
Jerry: He’s nine years old! You don’t need karate, you can just wring his neck!
[New scene. Kramer’s karate class. Kramer is beating his opponent, a little girl. Elaine walks in, surprised.]
Elaine: What are you doing?
Kramer: Oh, well, I-I-I’m dominating.
Elaine: You never said you were fighting children.
Kramer: Well, it’s not the size of the opponent, Elaine, it’s, uh, the ferocity.
Speil chequer is my fruend
think = thing
And your point?
A simple courtesy.
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