Paralyzed high school student’s $4.5 million verdict affirmed

In May 2006, Larry Keeter, a Senior and All-State Wrestler at Rock Hill High School, was participating in Senior Field Day and climbing Alpine Tower’s rock wall.  While descending, the student belayer lost control of the rope and Larry fell 20 feet, shattering his vertebrae and  becoming a paraplegic.  Larry Keeter and his parents sued Alpine Towers International, Inc. for strict liability, negligent design, and negligent training.  A York County jury awarded Mr. Keeter actual and punitive damages and awarded his parents actual damages for Larry’s medical bills, for a combined total of $4.5 million dollars. Alpine Towers and Keeter appealed the trial court’s decision.

The South Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed the jury award of $4.5 million to an injured high school student who fell from a climbing tower. See Keeter v. Alpine Towers International, Inc., Slip Op. No. 4995, (S.C. Ct. App. June 27, 2012).

Richard A. Harpootlian, P.A. represented the Keeters in the trial court and on appeal.

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