Ski Dubai appeal against skiing injury compensation

Dubai: A court is looking into an appeal by Ski Dubai against a compensation award of Dh200,000 to a teenager who tripped over an iron protrusion while skiing and sustained a spine injury.

The family of the 15-year-old teenager, who sustained a severe spine injury, sued Ski Dubai for Dh3 million in civil compensation after he tripped and hit a concrete wall while skiing down a slope.

The Dubai Civil Court recently ordered Ski Dubai to pay Dh200,000 in compensation plus nine per cent legal interest (when the ruling becomes irrevocable).

Ski Dubai appealed the initial ruling and asked the Dubai Appeal's Court to dismiss the case.

Meanwhile, the teenager's legal representative Ayman Merdas, of Global Advocates and Legal Consultants, also appealed the initial ruling and said they are seeking a higher compensation for his client whose spine was fractured.

"The teenager who was practicing an ice sport accidentally tripped over an exposed iron protrusion, lost his balance and hit a concrete wall. He fell on his back and sustained a back injury which immobilised him after hitting the wall. Upon taking him to hospital, it was discovered that his backbone was fractured and he suffered of blood bulginess in his head," Merdas said in his civil lawsuit.

Doctors performed an accurate surgery and planted special medical 45-mm-long screws and 11-cm-long metal chips to 'make it slightly possible for the boy to bend his back', said the lawyer.

"The claimant who was an excellent sportsman in school failed to maintain a normal life and his movement became irregular due to the metal chips and screws. The park management introduced some modifications to the spot where the accident happened," added the lawyer.

The family is claiming Dh3 million in moral, financial and medical compensation plus legal interest for the boy's accrued damages.

The Appeal Court holds a hearing next week.