A woman who was injured in a Whistler gondola accident in 2008 has been awarded nearly $40,000 for her ongoing post-traumatic stress and psychological issues.
Amy Sefton, a British citizen, was snowboarding at Whistler with her then-boyfriend on Dec. 16, 2008, when the Excalibur gondola they were riding in with two others failed at Tower 4.
The cabin dropped rapidly in two stages, throwing the passengers about, but it did not hit the ground. The passengers were trapped for three hours before they were rescued via a rope and harness.
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Sefton suffered soft tissue injuries to her neck, back and thigh, and suffered sore knees.
She also told the court she suffered and sought treatment for psychological issues including anxiety and depression. However, she managed to work through them and they did not impair her ability to work.
The court awarded her $38,100 as compensation for her psychological distress, plus some reimbursement for counselling and her torn ski clothes.
The decision was issued May 3 by Justice Douglas Allan Betton in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. The suit, against Whistler resort corporations Intrawest, Doppelmayr, and Whistler and Blackcomb went to trial in April.
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