Chair lifts at ski resorts are used all year in many places, as they not only provide easy transportation for skiers to the top of the slopes, but they can also provide scenic rides to hiking and observation areas when the snow is not present. Unfortunately, chair lifts can be dangerous, and any problem that arises with these machines can create immediate and extreme danger for anyone involved.

Tragically, one couple paid a huge price when a malfunction caused the death of one man and serious injuries to his wife. According to the Sacramento Bee:

“Dickson, 51, and his wife, Rebecca Gonzaga, 47, were riding on the Tamarack chair about 2 p.m. Monday when the chair came in contact with a zip line, a high-speed ride that takes strapped-in riders downhill on a cable.

Gonzaga did not fall from the chair lift but suffered what were described as “non-life threatening injuries” and was treated at Barton Memorial Hospital.

Exact cause of the accident is unknown, but preliminary indications are that there was a malfunction with the zip line contacting the chair lift.”

Obviously, any problem and/or malfunction with equipment that was suspending people high in the air will lead to exposure for civil liability to those who are responsible for maintaining safety and minimizing risks to those who use this equipment. While the exact, specific reason that this malfunction occurred has yet to be identified, that information is unlikely to matter if the overall responsibility for the accident has been determined.

If you or someone you love has been injured or worse due to this sort of situation, you need the help of Sacramento wrongful death attorneys who have years of experience in helping families cope with their loss by holding those responsible for these egregious errors accountable. Contact Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation.