Responsibility has been on my mind a lot lately. Not only because of the fact that I am about to enter that vulnerable realm of liability exposure in connection with my climbing camps, but because of a few recent accidents that have occurred with clients in the outdoor industry. I used to be a rock guide in the Shawangunks of NY, long before there were any restrictions, permits or insurance companies to deal with. Fortunately I never had any accidents, but over the years since then I have resisted pursuing any kind of business venture that involved potential liability lawsuits. I was afraid of losing everything that I’ve worked so hard to create over the years because of this issue of taking responsibility (and consequently, liability) for others. Climbing has always been one of the few activities in which I am directly responsible for my own choices and actions. It is difficult to justify putting so much on the line when our legal system encourages behavior that is contrary to the fundamental principles of climbing. Now days it has become the norm to sue whoever has the deepest pockets whenever there is an unfortunate accident -whether it was due to one’s own negligence or not.
However, another contributing factor to our sue-crazy society has to do with the fact it still costs a lot of money to pay all the medical expenses, even with a good health insurance plan. Since our health care system in the US is so expensive, suing often becomes the only viable means to get those expenses covered. In the end, no matter whether we choose to take part in so-called risky activities or not, life is full of unexpected accidents and no amount of money or denial of one’s own personal or moral responsibility can stop them from happening. Shit happens.
The sad irony of the situation is that what our culture needs now more than ever is to engage in activities like climbing that require us to take direct responsibility for ourselves. This year, I’ve decided that despite the legal burden of potential liability suits, I’m going to pursue those risky endeavors that I’ve resisted for so many years. Like everything else I have done in life, if my intent is good and I am motivated for the right reasons, it usually turns out to be the right thing to do. The activities that give me the most satisfaction in life are the ones that involve the biggest risks!
Lynn Hill,
Boulder, Co., April 2005
