Skiing and snowboarding are risky sports, but they are not contact sports. It only takes one small wrong move to suffer a serious injury or collision on the slopes. Even all riders take precautions to stay safe, accidents do happen. Other riders can be reckless and sometimes even intoxicated and consequently injure others.
If your or a loved one was injured in a ski or snowboard accident, we want to help you. Our Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorneys have successfully handled countless cases involving accidents on the slopes.
You can speak with one of our knowledgeable Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorneys today for a free case review.
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Different Types of Colorado Ski Resort Accidents
Ski accidents are common. That’s why Colorado has state laws to ensure people can be held accountable for their actions, including:
- Skiers
- Snowboarders
- resort owners
- rental companies
- equipment manufacturers
Here are some of the most common types of accidents that happen on the slopes of Colorado:
- Collisions – Sometimes riders fail to look for downhill riders and crash into people. They can cause injuries and other damages to other riders. If someone crashes into you, you can hold them accountable for your injuries and damages.
- Defective equipment – sometimes defective ski equipment is the culprit. Whether for convenience or costs, many skiers and snowboarders rent equipment. Customers who rent equipment do so assuming that the equipment is safe and well-maintained. However, if a rental company or resort is negligent by failing to properly maintain equipment, they can be liable for an accident.
- Negligence (of the Ski Resort) – ski resorts must maintain their resorts safe and free of hazards. If a ski resort fails to maintain the environment or has debris and other dangerous objects that could cause an accident, they can be held liable.
- Ski Lift Accidents – only trained professionals are supposed to operate ski lifts and other ski machinery. Additionally, ski lifts should be regularly inspected and maintained. Failure to adequately maintain a ski lift could lead to a malfunction that causes injuries or even death. If you were injured due to defective ski lift or other malfunctioning machinery, you might be able to hold the resort accountable for your injuries.
No matter how you were injured, if it was someone else’s fault, reach out to a Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney right away. We will review your case to determine all liable parties and help you seek compensation accordingly.
Common Ski Accident Injuries in Colorado
Skiing and snowboarding are high-speed action sports. People who ski and snowboard need to know how to ride safely to prevent injuring themselves and others. However, not all skiers and snowboarders exercise this level of caution.
It only takes one small slip up to cause an accident that can injure or even kill another person. Here are some commonly seen injured in ski and snowboarding accidents:
- Shoulder fractures
- Shoulder dislocations
- Spinal cord injury, which can cause paralysis
- Head injuries (concussion, traumatic brain injury)
- Nerve damage
- Broken legs
- Broken collarbone
- Broke ribs
- Knee, ankle and foot injuries
- Wrist injuries
- Hand injuries
If you sustained any of the above injuries or other injuries in a skiing or snowboarding accident, call our Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorneys. We will review your medical documents to see the true extent of your injuries so we can determine a fair value for your claim.
Ski Resort Responsibilities
Ski resorts in Colorado have safety requirements for all of their equipment and machinery including the chairlift operation, snowmobile operation, installing boundary ropes and more. If they fail to abide by the legal requirements to meet safety standards, that is considered negligence.
If you sustained severe or catastrophic injuries due to a ski resort’s negligence, a Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney will help ensure you get the maximum financial recovery for all of your losses.
Liability Waivers at Colorado Ski Resorts
Ski resorts have liability waivers to protect themselves from legal liability when people get injured. Skiers who sign a waiver cannot take any legal action against the resort, no matter how bad their injuries or what the situation. Even if you signed a waiver, it’s worth speaking with a Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney. We will review your case details to see how we can help you.
The bottom line is that if you were injured by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you need to act quickly. A Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney will help you carry out some vital steps for your claim, including an investigation, evidence collection, and more. That way, you can focus on healing and recovering from your injuries.
Colorado’s Ski Safety Act
All people who snowboard or ski in Colorado have a legal responsibility under Colorado’s Ski Safety Act (§ 33-44-101). Under this act, all skiers and snowboarders are:
- Accountable for their actions
- Should recognize their ability level
- And ski or snowboard within terrain for their appropriate level
- Refrain from reckless behavior that could harm themselves or others
Many skiers get injured and assume they have no legal recourse. However, they do have rights. Speaking with a knowledgeable Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney is the best way to find out what your legal options are and the best path to recover for your injuries and damages.
Who Is Liable in a Skiing Accident?
Under Colorado’s Ski Safety Act, the uphill skier who is higher on the slope is presumed to be at fault in a collision with a downhill skier. Skiers and snowboarders who cause accidents while riding intoxicated or under the influence can also be found liable for injuring others.
The laws regarding liability for ski resorts are a bit more complex. The resort cannot legally be held accountable for injuries that occur on the slope. There are a few exceptions and circumstances when they can be liable. However, a skilled Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney can assess your case to help you determine if the resort is responsible for your injuries.
A Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney who knows the law and has experience handling these cases can help you hold the correct parties accountable. Generally, you file a claim through the at-fault skier or snowboarder’s homeowner’s insurance.
Every case is unique and has different circumstances, so you’ll need to consult with a Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney to get a free evaluation for our case.
What to Do After a Skiing or Snowboarding Crash With Another Rider
If you get into a collision with another skier or snowboarder, stay on the accident scene. You will need to give your information to the ski patrol and obtain a copy of the incident report. Sometimes riders have insurance to cover their portion of fault, but that’s not always the case. If you need to get medical attention, do so right away and then contact a Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney and let us handle the rest.
Ski and Snowboarding Statistics
A fun day of slopes in the sun can quickly turn into a living nightmare if someone gets injured. Catastrophic injuries and fatalities on the slopes happen more often than you may think. It doesn’t only happen to beginners; it can happen to anyone.
An average of 11 people die in Colorado every year due to skiing and snowboarding accidents.
Furthermore, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reported the following figures from 2020:
- 42 fatalities from skiing/snowboarding incidents
- 83% of all fatalities were males
- About 66% of skiers and snowboarders involved in fatal collision had helmets on
Contact an Experienced Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney Today
We look forward to hearing from you to answer all of your questions and see how we can help you. Once we decide to take your case, we will explain the entire process and handle all the work for you. That way you can focus on healing.
WE offer a free initial consultation, so call us today to speak with a knowledgeable Manitou Springs Ski and Snowboard Accident Attorney.
