Man, 60, sues boy, 8, over ski collision

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

VAIL, Colo. - A 60-year-old man is taking an 8-year-old boy and his dad to court, claiming the boy caused a ski-slope collision that left the older man with a shoulder injury.

David J. Pfahler of Allentown, Pa., sued in federal court in Denver, claiming Scott Swimm, then 7, was skiing fast and recklessly when they collided in January, the Vail Daily reported Thursday.

The suit claims Pfahler suffered a torn shoulder tendon and seeks compensation for physical therapy, vacation time, nursing and medical services provided by Pfahler's wife, and other expenses. It estimates the couple's losses at more than $75,000.

Scott's father, Robb Swimm, said that he saw the crash and that Scott was skiing slowly and in control.

"It wasn't a violent collision or anything; Scott just kind of tapped his ski boots," he said this week.

Scott's mother, Susan Swimm, said her son weighs 48 pounds and couldn't have been going more than 10 mph.

"Who in the world sues a child?" she said. "It just boggles my mind every day."

Pfahler's Denver attorney, Jim Chalat, declined to comment on specifics but says Pfahler, who works for Reader's Digest, wants to go back to work.

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[Dr. Obvious 49]

I thought that was the kind of risk you take when you ski. I hope it gets thrown out.

[natty bumppo 297]

the old dude needs to learn ... to be in control of himself while on skis

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

I do feel like some parents need to understand to control their kids on the slopes and obey basic rules. I seperated my shoulder because of a family gathering in the middle of a tiny slope. I would have seriously been better off had I just destroyed the 6 year old, but I had to take drastic measures to avoid him and ended up taking an extremely nasty spill.

[natty bumppo 297]

I do feel like some parents need to understand to control their kids on the slopes and obey basic rules. I seperated my shoulder because of a family gathering in the middle of a tiny slope. I would have seriously been better off had I just destroyed the 6 year old, but I had to take drastic measures to avoid him and ended up taking an extremely nasty spill.

just wondering .... stopping was not an option?

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

I do feel like some parents need to understand to control their kids on the slopes and obey basic rules. I seperated my shoulder because of a family gathering in the middle of a tiny slope. I would have seriously been better off had I just destroyed the 6 year old, but I had to take drastic measures to avoid him and ended up taking an extremely nasty spill.

just wondering .... stopping was not an option?

No, it was around a blind corner. I came around the corner and the entire family was spread across the slope. I had a narrow gap to pass through, which was between the kid and about a 600 foot drop. Then the kid just stood up and drifted directly in front of me. This all happened in about 2 seconds. Even if I had tried to stop, it would have ended like this:

Edited December 21, 2007 by AnewKINDofFEELIN

[Jesse and Hema 2]

See... this is why I hate kids... so inconsiderate!!

[Aymerlu 3]

Things happen. The man should be embarrassed for suing this kid. He's not doing a thing to the kid.....it's the kids parents. I just wish kids could be kids these day. Hell....when I was a kid if this happened, it would be an accident and left at that. No one would dream about suing someone.

I had a kid dart out in front of my car years ago. Get just had a few bruises. Damn bike did about $1000.00 damage to my car. I could've sued, but did I? Nope. Things happen and you get over it. It's called life.

[Amby 490]

I had a disabled guy completely level me on a ski slope one time. He hit me in the shoulder with his ski tip too. God that hurt. I didn't sue geez

[girlafraid7 0]

I'm not saying I agree with suing a kid, but some of those little suckers go way way faster than "10mph" on the slopes and don't give a darn about what they cause in their recklessness. I'm a strong skier but there have been more than one near disastrous outcomes on account of cocky kids. Damn them.

Did i mention I'm pregnant?