Opinion ID: 848775
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion for summary disposition

Text: In reviewing a motion for summary disposition brought under MCR 2.116(C)(10), a trial court considers affidavits, pleadings, depositions, admissions, and documentary evidence filed in the action or submitted by the parties. MCR 2.116(G)(5). Quinto v. Cross & Peters Co., 451 Mich. 358, 362, 547 N.W.2d 314 (1996). Such evidence is viewed in a light most favorable to the party opposing the motionin this case, plaintiffs. Id. A trial court may grant a motion for summary disposition only when the affidavits or other documentary evidence show that there is no genuine issue regarding any material fact. Id. In this case, there remains a genuine issue of material factwhether the location of the timing shack, or even the timing shack itself, was necessary. I would not decide this issue as a matter of law as the majority does; rather, I would put it in the hands of the trier of fact. There is deposition testimony in this case that it was unnecessary to place the timing shack at the bottom of the hill near the finish line. In fact, there is testimony that a shack was not necessary to house the timing equipment. Robert Shick, Pine Knob's general manager, admitted it was unnecessary to place the timing shack so close to the finish line for ski races. He testified that he had seen race courses at several other ski resorts and had seen the timing shack placed at the top of the ski hill. Mr. Shick further admitted that a timing shack could be placed anywhere, it does not have to be near the finish line. Additionally, Mr. Shick testified that reflecting upon this accident, Pine Knob reshaped the racing area and moved the timing shack further away from the finish line. Further, three coaches who were present on the day of the accident testified that the timing shack could have been anywhere. Daniel Costigan, a ski coach for Detroit Country Day, testified that during the season after plaintiff's injury, the timing shack was on the top of the hill, off the skiing surface. Coach Costigan also testified that there was no need for a timing shack at the bottom of the hill. Coach Joseph Kosik testified at his deposition that there was flexibility in regards to the location of the timing shack. Finally, Coach Earl Rosengren testified at his deposition that the timing shack was moved after plaintiff's accident, even though it houses the same timing equipment it did at the time of the accident. Coach Rosengren also stated that there does not need to be an actual shack in which to house timing equipment. The testimony of these four individuals clearly presents a genuine issue of material factwhether the timing shack at the bottom of the hill, or even the shack itself, was necessary, as required by M.C.L. § 408.342(2) before declaring that plaintiff assumed this danger. Thus, summary disposition is inappropriate.