The mountains of Colorado are a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding, attracting men, women, and children from near and far. The sheer amount of people visiting Colorado ski areas during the season means that there will be some who will be more skilled than others, and the slopes can turn dangerous quickly when a negligent skier or snowboarder doesn’t pay attention and causes a collision. Even the most skilled skiers and snowboarders can still get into an accident when the slopes of Colorado ski resorts are crowded.
If you have had a ski accident at one of the Colorado ski areas, whether due to another skier’s negligence, a faulty chair lift, or another reason, call the Frickey Law Firm at 303-237-7373 today for your complimentary consultation. We have been serving injured skiers in the Denver area for decades, and we will be happy to listen to your case.
Common Causes of Ski and Snowboard Injuries
The most common cause of ski accidents among men and women is a collision with another skier. Sometimes unavoidable accidents happen, but most of the time collisions occur when one party is negligent, inexperienced, out of control, or all three.
You may be an experienced skier who has hit the slopes each winter for 40 years, but you may still end up blindsided by an out-of-control beginner snowboarder who hits you from behind and causes multiple bone fractures. Accidents can happen to just about everyone on the ski slopes.
Other causes of ski injuries include:
- Chair lift malfunction
- Improper or negligent operation of the chair lift
- Collision with a snowmobile or grooming machine
- Improper maintenance of equipment at the ski resort
Every skier and snowboarder wants to glide under the Colorado sun, but they also have a duty to be aware of their surroundings and to stick to routes at their skill level. Skiers who are uphill have the responsibility of avoiding those downhill, and skiers entering a new route have the responsibility of looking uphill and making sure their path is clear. Any skier or snowboarder who breaches their responsibilities can be held liable for injuries they cause through their negligence.
When injuries occur from faulty tram lifts or negligence on a ski resort’s behalf, you may take legal action under the Colorado Ski Safety Act. This act outlines specific guidelines that ski resorts must follow at all times, such as not allowing a passenger to board if they do not have the dexterity, ability, or knowledge to safely use the equipment.
Ski tramway operators have specific duties outlined in the Colorado Ski Safety Act, and if an operator’s negligence results in physical injury, you have the right to take legal action.
So, what do you do if you have been injured in one of Colorado’s ski areas? The first step is consulting with an experienced attorney who understands state regulations and personal injury laws.
Reason You May Be Able To Sue
Ski resorts have powerful protections, making it difficult, but not impossible, to recover compensation. In the case of a collision with another skier, you are better off suing the skier who caused the collision than trying to sue the ski resort. If your injuries resulted from a different scenario, such as skiing in extreme terrain, please talk to us to see if you have a valid case. Some reasons you may be able to sue in a different scenario include:
- Another skier injury due to equipment negligence
- Sustaining an injury after a dispute with another skier
- Collision with another skier who was behaving carelessly
Depending on local rules, regulations, and other issues that can differ from state to state, who and what you can sue for can vary. Schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys who have the experience to fully inform you on what you can and cannot do.
Because ski resorts are heavily regulated and protected, skiers and snowboarders must sign waivers before taking to the resort ski areas. While many people don’t think twice about this when they buy their ski pass, it is important to consider the possible implications of doing so.
Even the most high-end ski resort can have negligent skiers or snowboarders on the slope. Rather than take action directly against the resort, it may be more beneficial to pursue legal action against the responsible party.
If that party happens to be someone who works at the ski resort, than a lawyer can meet with you to discuss your options.
We can let you know what acts are legally covered, what you can sue for, and if you have a likelihood of recovering any financial losses or other damages in court. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Who Is Liable If I’m Injured In a Ski Accident?
If you’ve been in a ski accident in Colorado, the liability falls on the person who was careless or negligent, causing the accident to occur. If you’ve been injured and are filing a lawsuit, you will be required to provide supporting evidence of your claim. You are also obligated to report deaths if one occurs. In most cases. if another skier is found guilty of causing an accident that led to your injuries, they will be liable for your monetary damages. That means that they will have to pay for your medical bills and possibly lose wages if that occurs. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensuring you get the money you deserve.
While every skier and snowboarder must understand and accept the possible dangers of being on the slopes, you do not have to accept the risk of being injured due to the negligence and carelessness of others on the slope. The law in Colorado requires each individual to be in full control of their speed while on the slopes at all times. This is especially true when it comes to a person skiing downhill. Not following this law and leading to an accident can leave that person accountable for all damage and injury.
Ski area operators are also equally responsible for conducting themselves ethically and legally. This means performing due diligence and taking appropriate precautions to ensure that the slopes, ski areas, and equipment remain safe for passengers and visitors.
If a ski area employee has jeopardized your safety or caused you to suffer an injury, discuss your options with a lawyer. Even if you signed a waiver to the resort, you may still be able to take legal action against the responsible party.
What Are The Most Common Ski Injuries in Colorado?
Broken bones are by far the most common injury resulting from negligent skiiers or malfunctioning equipment. Head and facial trauma, and even cardiac arrest, are also possible due to the nature of the sport and the risks of the terrain.
How Can I Avoid a Ski Accident?
Following the ski resort boundaries are the best ways to avoid getting into a ski accident on the slopes. Whether you're snowboarding or skiing, being mindful of your surroundings at all times is a great way to prevent a collision from occurring. Knowing when the trail you're on is about to merge with another so you can slow down is a great way to prevent an accident from happening on the slopes.
Another great way to prevent an accident at a ski area is being mindful of when and where you decide to slow down, or even stop to take a break. Avoid resting in potential blind spots where oncoming traffic may not notice you until it is too late. A few other tips include not having headphones in so that you’re able to hear others, not skiing intoxicated as this can lead to an accident or altitude sickness, and making sure your boots are strapped correctly.
Finally, you can avoid injury by not trying to ski on slopes that you are not qualified for. It is important to only ski on slopes that you have the skill to be on.
Exercising caution is vital to protect yourself and others on the slopes. You should never enter ski areas that you know you cannot safely navigate. There is a reason why experienced skiers are on certain paths. A beginner could unintentionally get seriously injured or even cause a serious accident that harms one of the more seasoned skiers on the slope.
What Should You Do After a Ski Injury?
After your injury, if you are able, you should do the following:
- Take photos of the scene of the collision
- Get contact information from all involved parties
- Get a record of any eyewitness accounts
- Call the Frickey Law Firm
Injuries from ski or snowboard accidents can be serious and may result in expensive hospital bills, loss of income, loss of your skiing hobby, and loss of quality of life. The most common ski injuries include broken bones, knee sprains, neck injuries, and dislocated shoulders. Any of these can significantly disrupt your life.
You should call the ski injury lawyers at the Frickey Law Firm as soon as possible in order to have the best chance of recovering compensation. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you get the best result possible from your case.
Schedule Your Ski Injury Consultation Today!
At The Frickey Law Firm, our experienced and dedicated attorneys believe that everyone deserves to receive justice, and we are here to help you do just that. Our team of attorneys has the knowledge, passion, and dedication to help you every step of the way.
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence while out skiing or snowboarding, call the Frickey Law Firm today at 303-237-7373 to schedule your complimentary consultation. We serve clients in Golden, Lakewood, Boulder, and Denver, CO.