Lawsuit filed in Snowmass skiing accident

SNOWMASS ” Bryan and Lori Willmer, both of Illinois, recently filed a lawsuit in district court against snowboarder Abraham Zimroth, of New York, following a Feb. 10 skiing accident at Snowmass Ski Area.

According to the filed complaint, Bryan was skiing down Max Park, a green trail, when Zimroth, on a snowboard, collided with him from uphill at a high rate of speed.

Bryan alleges that he suffered “severe injuries” as a result of the accident, including a broken leg, broken collarbone and torn rotator cuff.

Lori alleges that she suffered the loss of her husband’s services and consortium, as well as the loss of her time during his recovery.

The Willmers argue that Zimroth failed to comply with several Colorado statutes regarding skiing, namely: the duty of the uphill or overtaking skier to avoid collision, the duty to refrain from acting in a manner which causes injury to other skiers and the duty to maintain control of speed and course.

They also argue that he had a common-law duty to exercise reasonable care.

“Skiing is not a contact sport,” said the Willmer’s attorney, James Chalat. “Lawsuits like this are extremely important to enforce the principles of the Colorado Ski Safety Act.”

The Willmers are seeking a jury trial. Though their complaint does not seek a specific monetary amount, it alleges their damages exceed $75,000.