Maine Ski Area Not Responsible for Man’s Injuries

A jury has ruled that a Maine ski resort was not responsible for injuries suffered by a Bethel man who fell off a chairlift on a windy day.

The Oxford County Superior Court jury ruled on Monday, Oct. 31, that injuries suffered at Sunday River in 2007 by 59-year-old Steven Sutton were accidental and the resort was not negligent in allowing the lift to run in high winds.

Sutton’s lawyer was seeking more than $2 million for medical bills, lost earnings and pain and suffering. Sutton suffered severe nerve damage in his right arm in the 12 foot fall.

The Sun Journal reports that a resort lawyer told the jury Sunday River met all industry safety standards and high winds atop a mountain are not unusual.

A lawyer for Sutton refused comment.