Hero Father Dave Miln Loses Both Legs At Mammoth Mountain While Saving Family From Rogue Snow Blower —> GoFundMe Created To Support Victim’s Family
MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA (January 24, 2022) – A man identified as Dave Miln was critically injured at Mammoth Mountain after being hit by a runaway snow blower.
Mammoth Lake officials are saying that the accident took place on December 15th. Dave Miln, an Australian Defense Force veteran, was on vacation with his wife Clare Miln and their two daughters Isla, 3, and 1-year-old child, Anna.
They were taking ski lessons when an out-of-control motorized snow blower came barreling towards the family. The Australian Defense Force veteran threw his body over his kids to save them from the snow blower.
He sustained traumatic injuries to his legs. It took around an hour for rescue workers to get him and take him to the hospital.
Dave Miln has undergone numerous surgeries and has lost both of his legs as a result of the accident. He also has a broken femur, pelvis, vertebrae and ribs. His daughter Isla suffered two broken legs and pelvic injuries.
You can help support the victim and his family through GoFundMe. According to the fundraiser, “Please share on social media, with family and friends as we work together to lighten the burden on this incredible family, as they come to grips and learn to adapt with the challenges ahead. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”
Liability For Mammoth Mountain Snow Blower Accidents
Accidents involving snow blowers may seem like freak occurrences. But they are unfortunately quite common. According to Lifespan, “The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nearly 6,000 people sustain injuries from snow blowers each year. Most of these are injuries to the fingers and hands; however there have been at least 19 deaths since 1992 attributed to snow blower accidents.” There are a number of steps that snow blower operators should take to prevent collisions.
- Snow blowers should only be operated by people well trained to use them.
- Snow blowers should never be allowed to continuously run while not in use.
- Snow blowers should be stored away when not in use.
Depending on the facts of any case, the property owner of a ski resort could be liable for an accident on their premises. All property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Pursuant to California Civil Code 1714, everyone is responsible for the injury or death of a person on their property when the injury was the result of a lack of ordinary skill or care in the maintenance of his or her property.
A property owner could also be liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. If, for example, the operator of a snow blower was working for a ski resort and injured someone by acting negligently, the ski resort that they worked for could be liable for any resulting injuries. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident involving a snow blower.
- The employment status of the snow blower operator should be determined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Any liability waiver signed at a ski resort should be examined.
It can be hard to know where to begin if you’ve been injured while on vacation. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. Any person that is injured while staying at Mammoth Mountain may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Mammoth Mountain Snow Blower Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to Dave Miln and his daughter Isla as the continue to recover. Were it not for the heroic actions of this father, this could have ended even worse. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this. There are so many questions that need to be answered. Who was operating this snow blower? How did it get loose?
Have you or someone that you care about been injured while staying at Mammoth Mountain? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
