Bega, Australia native Jason Apps filed a lawsuit in the B.C. Supreme Court on June 7, 2017, alleging Grouse Mountain Ski Resort located in North Vancouver was negligent in designing its terrain park and did not sufficiently warn the public about the potential risk for serious injury.
Global News Canada reports the lawsuit stems from an accident Apps suffered in March 2016 when he hit a jump in the park and fell which left him quadriplegic, with zero movement in his legs, hands, or wrists. He now relies on an electric wheelchair and per the 2017 court documents, needs help with personal care, most meals and domestic tasks.
On Thursday Justice Catherine Murray ruled that Apps had signed the terms and conditions on a liability form at the time of the accident which waived the mountain of responsibility. In Murray’s written decision she also pointed out that Apps had actually worked at Whistler Blackcomb handing out waivers so he knew what he was signing.
In the ruling, Apps admitted he knew he was signing a waiver of liability but didn’t read it.There also was a notice posted on the ticket booth warning guests of the risks that come from using jumps. Apps is now expected to pay all court costs to Grouse Mountain.
images from wp paarz flickr & grouse mountain FB
