What can be better than cruising down the slopes on a crisp, sunny day in Colorado? For thousands of ski and snowboard enthusiasts in many parts of the country, there is very little to beat that. Skiing and snowboarding have become popular recreational activities that bring tourists and visitors to many areas. However, with an increase in both these activities has come an increase in personal injuries.
The most common personal injuries for either skiers or snowboarders are caused by:
- faulty equipment
- too long a time on the slope without rest
- skiing or snowboarding above one’s ability level
- ignoring warning or closed trail signs
The most common injuries from these accidents include:
- shoulder fractions or dislocations
- spinal injuries
- broken hands or wrists
- head lacerations
The best way to prevent these types of slope injuries is to use proper equipment and get proper instructions before you take off for a ride. It is estimated that less than 50% of skiers and snowboarders wear helmets in the United States. It is also estimated that helmets can be a huge factor in preventing injuries, even though all ski resorts do not require them.
Ski area operators have responsibilities to prevent accidents, such as marking trails, providing proper warning signs, and keeping ski lifts in safe operation. Skiers and snowboarders have responsibilities too. They are obliged to stay within their performance limits on the slopes, to keep control of their speeds, and to stay off closed trails, among other limits.
If you have had a serious skiing or snowboarding accident in Colorado, contact a personal injury lawyer now. Time is not on your side. The state has a statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit after a certain time period has passed. You will have only two years to file a suit after the date of your accident. Colorado also has a Ski Safety Act. It defines the rights and responsibilities of ski area operators. It also defines the rights and responsibilities of skiers and snowboarders because both are considered to have assumed some risks just by participating in these activities.
Negligence is the most common personal injury lawsuit for accidents on the slope. It may be charged if:
- your injury resulted from skiing/snowboarding in a poorly marked or maintained area
- you were hit by or collided with a skier/snowboarder who was behaving recklessly on the slope
- your instructor permitted you to ski/snowboard on a slope beyond your capability level
You may also be entitled to compensation if your skiing or snowboarding accident was caused by defective equipment. The companies that manufactured and sold the product may be held liable.
Compensation for these types of accidents typically include payment for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The amounts and other issues depend upon the severity of and conditions surrounding the injury.
When you are taking out those skis or a snowboard on that crisp, sunny day in Colorado, have fun and remember your capabilities on the slope. However, if an accident occurs, remember to call a personal injury lawyer … and do it now.
Steve Roberts is the managing attorney at the Law Office of Steve Roberts, LLC and specializes in Slip and Fall Accidents in Colorado.