A fun day of skiing can quickly take a catastrophic turn in the event of an accident. One of the most serious types of injuries that skiers are at risk for are traumatic brain injuries.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to suffer from a life-changing brain injury while skiing. Even experienced skiers may lose control and collide with an object or be hit by another skier, either of which can result in a serious brain injury.
Those who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries as a result of a skiing accident caused by another person’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, our personal injury attorneys represent clients in skiing and brain injuries cases in and around Provo, Utah.
Head Injuries Are a Significant Risk to Skiers
According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, as many as 20 percent of skiing and snowboarding injuries are head injuries, with severe head injuries being the leading cause of death on the slopes. Those who are lucky enough to survive a skiing accident may still suffer significant head injuries, including concussions, loss of consciousness, or a traumatic brain injury that may cause lifelong cognitive impairment or other disabilities.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries While Skiing
The very nature of skiing, traveling down a hill at high speeds, adds an inherent danger that can make even a small tumble have catastrophic consequences, such as brain injuries or death. There are many possible causes of skiing accidents that can lead to a brain injury. Some common causes include:
- Colliding with other skiers or snowboarders, especially at high speeds
- Colliding with a tree, barrier, sign, fence, the ground, or another object
- Skier inexperience
- Inadequate instruction from a ski instructor
- Ski equipment failure
- Chairlift accident
The Signs of a Brain Injury
It’s important to understand the signs of a traumatic brain injury before skiing as these symptoms should not be ignored if they occur after a skiing accident. Sometimes symptoms may not be immediately present or may clear quickly. Failure to seek medical treatment, even if no symptoms are immediately present or fleeting, can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Accordingly, medical attention should be sought if the head is injured in a skiing accident. Some common signs of a brain injury that should not be ignored include:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Swelling
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Seeking Damages for a Skiing Brain Injury
Those who have suffered a brain injury in a skiing accident caused by another person’s negligence or defective skiing equipment may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and other damages. However, state laws and waivers may protect ski resorts from being held liable for injuries. Because of this, if you’ve been injured in a skiing accident, it is important to seek out a personal injury attorney experienced in skiing accident injuries to ensure your rights are protected. At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury cases and can help get you the settlement you deserve.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one have been injured in a skiing accident, you are encouraged to schedule a consultation with our law firm to learn more about your legal options.