Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. Attorneys Win Case of the Year Award From the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association
When justice meets diligence, it can change the course of lives. It can also set important legal precedents that protect others and help prevent senseless accidents from occurring in the future. That’s exactly what happened in Miller v. Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
This landmark victory earned Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. attorneys Brian Aleinikoff and Bruce Braley the prestigious Case of the Year Award from the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA).
This well-deserved recognition honors the attorneys’ exceptional advocacy while reflecting the firm’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of seriously injured individuals and their families.
As one of Colorado’s leading trial firms for catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases, Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., once again, demonstrated why we are trusted with some of the most complex and emotionally significant cases in the state.
A Tragic Day on the Slopes
In a 5-2 ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court weighed in on a lawsuit filed by Annie Miller stemming from a devastating 30-foot fall Annie suffered while riding a lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is operated by Vail Resorts.
The incident occurred on March 16, 2022, when Oklahoma visitors Annie and her father boarded the resort’s Paradise Express—a high-speed, four-seat chairlift. Annie was unable to get fully seated and clung to the lift to keep from falling. Her father and other bystanders immediately shouted for the lift to stop, but it continued moving, dragging Annie forward as she dangled from the chair.
Her father, Michael, tried desperately to pull his daughter to safety, but the lift did not stop. Annie eventually fell roughly 30 feet, landing on her back. The fall caused severe spinal injuries, leaving Annie paralyzed.
A Case That Changed Colorado Law
In their legal filings, Aleinikoff and Braley argued that Colorado’s Ski Safety Act should govern claims involving commercial recreation like skiing. The central issue was whether a waiver could strip someone of their right to hold a resort accountable for its own negligence, even when that negligence had devastating, life-changing consequences.
This ruling ensures that ski resorts—and potentially other commercial recreation providers—can no longer write themselves out of accountability through waiver language alone. This decision upholds the core principle that businesses open to the public must exercise reasonable care in protecting their guests.
Recognizing Our Firm’s Unrelenting Advocacy for Our Clients
CTLA presented Aleinikoff and Braley with the Case of the Year award in recognition of the important legal precedent they set and the sheer commitment they took to achieve this victory.
“This case underscores the vital importance of preserving access to the courts for those injured by negligence,” said CTLA in their award presentation. The attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. were praised for their appellate work and compassion for the Miller family.
Receiving this award reaffirms that Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has a rightful place at the forefront of trial advocacy in Colorado. It also confirms what clients and colleagues have long known: this firm is not afraid to fight complex, high-stakes cases all the way to the state’s highest court.
Why This Decision Matters for Families Across Colorado
While Miller v. Crested Butte Mountain Resort focused on a skiing accident, its implications reach far beyond the slopes. Liability waivers are commonly used in gyms, camps, amusement parks, zipline companies, rafting outfitters, and other recreational businesses. The court’s ruling now clarifies that businesses cannot rely on these waivers to immunize themselves from claims involving their own negligence.
This case reasserts that personal responsibility applies to companies, not just individuals. Families who previously believed they had no recourse due to a signed waiver now have renewed hope.
Thanks to this ruling, more injured parties will be able to pursue legal action when businesses fail to take reasonable precautions, fail to follow established safety protocols, or fail to hire qualified staff. If those failures result in harm, companies should be held accountable—and now, they can be.
The Role of a Strong Legal Team
Cases like Miller v. Crested Butte Mountain Resort require more than just legal experience. They require strategic insight, a deep understanding of state law, and relentless commitment to doing what’s right.
Bruce Braley, a former U.S. Congressman and one of Iowa’s most respected trial lawyers before joining Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., brought his legislative and courtroom experience to bear. Bruce was paired with Brian Aleinikoff, who is known for his meticulous approach and relentless preparation. The team’s legal synergy created a formidable force.
A Law Firm Built on Trial Advocacy
Founded in 1981, Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has long been recognized as one of the top trial firms in the nation. Our attorneys are licensed in multiple states and are trusted nationwide by families and referring attorneys alike.
Whether taking on negligent hospitals, ski resorts, or large corporations, Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice—and will continue to do so.
Speak With a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney in Colorado
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or lost a loved one in an incident involving poor safety practices or failure to warn, you deserve the benefits of powerful legal advocacy. Call Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. at (303) 759-9945 to schedule an initial consultation at no charge today.
Our Denver personal injury attorneys will listen to your story, assess your claim, and help you take action when it matters most. You won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for your case.