A California man has initiated legal action against a Westminster outdoor gear store owned by Vail Resorts and several companies linked to apparel brands Oakley and Salomon after suffering a severe eye injury during a snowboarding accident at Keystone Resort. The lawsuit, filed by Duncan McDonald of Los Angeles on February 27, 2024, in the 17th Judicial District Court, alleges product liability among other claims.
McDonald was snowboarding at Keystone on February 24, 2024, when he fell face-first into the snow after catching the edge of his board. According to the complaint, his right eyeball dislodged from its socket, resulting in significant orbital facial fractures and permanent vision loss. His legal team, represented by The Komyatte Law Firm, contends that the Oakley ski goggles he was wearing were “defective and unreasonably dangerous.” The design of the goggles, they argue, lacked adequate padding and was too narrow and stiff, which increased the risk of catastrophic injuries during a fall.
The lawsuit also criticizes the design of the Salomon helmet worn by McDonald, claiming it failed to provide essential protection for the head, face, and eyes during impact. It notes the absence of a brim and other safety features that could have mitigated the force of the crash.
McDonald’s legal representatives assert that Oakley, Salomon, and their associated companies, along with Epic Mountain Gear in Westminster and Vail Resorts, violated multiple laws concerning product liability, negligence, breach of warranty, and failure to warn or recall defective products. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and an unspecified amount in damages, including compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety equipment in extreme sports, particularly in mountain resorts where injuries can have serious repercussions. The outcome of McDonald’s lawsuit could have implications for product safety standards in the ski and snowboard industry.
As the ski season progresses, the impact of such injuries on both the participants and the manufacturers will likely remain a topic of interest among outdoor enthusiasts and industry stakeholders.