This case involves a man who was injured while on a climbing wall at a bouldering-only rock climbing facility. At the facility in question, harnesses, ropes, and belaying are not allowed. The facility had mats beneath all bouldering walls but did not provide helmets to climbers. The man was climbing near the top of the wall when he fell with his leg locked in an unnatural position. He shattered his knee cap and injured his back upon impact. An expert in rock climbing was sought to discuss the safety requirements of a bouldering-only gym.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please describe your experience working at rock climbing facilities.
2. Does a facility have a responsibility to allow or provide safety equipment for climbers?
3. Does the concept of bouldering meet recreational safety standards?
Expert Witness Response E-096744
The reason why we have the harness, helmets, and ropes as climbers is to prevent the falls. The irony of bouldering is that it is much more likely to injure participants, and the safety measures don't rise enough to meet the increase in risk. I looked at the waiver that the facility has provided; my guess is that the facility is paying lip service to its customers. They require spotting, which according to the American Mountain Guide Association is an advanced skill set. Unless this was a bouldering competition, say, with high-end climbers who know how to fall and how to spot, it likely didn't meet safety standards. When you make bouldering difficult on a wall such as this one, it is no longer a recreational activity and comes with a different level of risk.
About the author
Victoria Negron
Victoria Negron has extensive experience in journalism and thought leadership in the legal space, with a background crafting content, whitepapers, webinars, and current event articles pertaining to the role of expert witnesses in complex litigation matters. She is a skilled professional specializing in B2B product marketing and content marketing. Currently, she serves as an Enterprise Product Marketing Manager at Postman, and previously held the position of Technical Product Marketing Manager at Palantir Technologies, where she developed her skills in launch strategies, go-to-market strategy, and competitive analysis.
Her expertise in content marketing was further refined during her tenure at the Expert Institute, where she progressed from a Marketing Writer to Senior Content Marketing Manager, and eventually to Associate Director of Content & Product Marketing. In these roles, she honed her abilities in digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and thought leadership.
Educationally, Victoria holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Art, and Hispanic Studies from Hamilton College. Her diverse educational background and professional experience have equipped her with a robust skill set in product marketing, content development, and strategic marketing initiatives.
