Appeals Court Upholds $2 Million Verdict Against Vail Resorts in Bowling Injury Case

Salt Lake City, UT — The Utah Court of Appeals upheld a $2 million jury verdict for Amy Herzog, who suffered a serious hand injury during a Vail Resorts-sponsored bowling event.

The injury occurred in 2022 at the company-sponsored bowling party in Kimball Junction. While Herzog, an employee of the bowling alley, was retrieving a stuck bowling ball, a Vail Resorts employee did a reckless 360-degree spin move and released a ball in the adjacent lane. The ball crossed into Herzog’s Lane and struck her left hand, causing severe injuries requiring three surgeries. She has permanently lost much of the function in her hand.

A jury in Utah’s Third District Court found the employee and his employer, Vail Resorts, responsible. The jury awarded over $2 million in damages, more than twice the amount Herzog’s attorneys had requested. The event had been paid for using a Vail Resorts company credit card, and the jury concluded the company was liable for its employee’s conduct.

Vail Resorts appealed the verdict, arguing the damages were excessive and that it was entitled to a new trial. The Appeals Court rejected those claims, finding that the original verdict was well-supported by the evidence.

“This is a meaningful result for Ms. Herzog and a strong affirmation of the jury’s decision,” said Herzog’s Attorney, William J. Hansen. “She has endured a life-changing injury, and we’re proud to have helped her obtain justice.”

It is not yet known whether Vail Resorts will appeal to the Utah Supreme Court.

A link to the full Court of Appeals opinion is available here.