Skiing and snowboarding are fun outdoor activities that define Utah. On the flip side, these extreme sports can also lead to life-altering injuries. The vast majority of ski and snowboarding accidents are caused by negligence. Negligence is when someone fails to exercise adequate care and consideration, leading to a dangerous scenario.
As the popularity of skiing and snowboarding increases, so do the accidents. These accidents range from mild injuries such as knee injuries, lower leg fractures, and sprained wrists to severe injuries like serious head and spinal injuries. Sometimes, these injuries, unfortunately, result in death. According to the Center for Disease and Control, most ski and snowboarding injuries lead to traumatic brain injuries as well as spinal cord ones—adolescents and kids are the ones impacted the most. Snowboarding is now the most dangerous outdoor activity.
Legalities of Skiing and Snowboarding Injury Lawsuits
The most common skiing and snowboarding accidents are caused by:
- Collisions with other skiers or snowboarders
- Falling
- Colliding with objects such as trees, signs, and fences
- Chair lift accidents
- Accidents due to inadequate instructions from either a skiing or snowboarding instructor
- Accidents due to skiing or snowboarding equipment failure
If you were injured in a skiing or snowboarding accident and you believe it is due to negligence, you will have to prove that the party you are suing is at fault. Maybe you were injured from colliding with a skier or snowboarder who was acting recklessly, or because the terrain on which you were skiing or snowboarding was poorly maintained. Perhaps you were injured because your instructor-led you to a terrain that was beyond your capability level. Regardless of the situation, you might be eligible for compensation. There’s also the possibility of your injury being caused by a defective product, such as a defective chair lift or ski binding. If you were injured because of a defective product, you may be eligible for compensation from the companies who designed, manufactured, and distributed the product.
Navigating a Skiing or Snowboarding Injury Lawsuit
Given that skiing and snowboarding have a reputation for being risky sports, the defendant, be it a ski resort owner or another skier or snowboarder, may raise the “assumption of risk” defense. If this occurs, the defendant will argue that you are not entitled to compensation because you willingly partook in an activity that is inherently dangerous. You will need the assistance of an injury lawyer with experience in litigation over skiing and snowboarding accidents to help you with your case. The purpose of the monetary award in these types of injury cases is to compensate you with any losses caused by your injury. Awards are dependent on the severity and location of your injuries. Damages include reimbursement for your medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain.
Skiing and snowboarding injuries are painful, and it will take time for you to fully recover. The process of filing a lawsuit against a resort or a person who is negligent is also complex. Contact Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks today so that our experienced attorneys can help you receive the compensation you deserve.