12/17/12 - A lawsuit against Mt. Brighton and one of its employees that was supposed to go to trial earlier this month is on hold while various motions in the case are worked out. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit in January 2011 by the family of Austin Miles, alleges that Robert Sturgis, who was driving a snow groomer at the time of the January 30th, 2008 incident, was negligent and reckless in his operation of the machine when he ran into the then 12-year-old boy and dragged him while his leg was snagged. Miles was on a school field trip and had just skied down a beginner slope when the snow groomer ran over him. The lawsuit claims Sturgis continued for another 200 feet despite several bystanders yelling at him to stop. It also claims the grooming machine had a cracked mirror and inadequate visibility through the windows. In addition, it alleges Mt. Brighton failed to post required notices warning skiers of snow grooming operations. The lawsuit, which seeks damages in excess of $75,000, had been set for trial on December 4th, but that was adjourned after a motion was filed by Mt. Brighton seeking sanctions against the plaintiffs for sending lawyers to the resort who were taking pictures for use as evidence without first contacting the resort or its attorneys. They also allege the lawyers misrepresented their purpose in being on the premises when they were confronted by a staff member. A hearing is set for January 23rd for arguments on the motion for sanctions. (JK)
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