Skiing & Snowboarding Injuries

As winter approaches, many people will be out on the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding are popular sports that people of almost any age can participate in. However, skiing and snowboarding activities do come with inherent risks, especially as individuals like to test their limits and more challenging courses. According to the Center for Disease Control, there has been a rise in brain and spinal cord injuries associated with skiing and snowboarding. This article will discuss the most common injuries, as well as your legal options if you or a loved one is involved in an accident out on the slopes.

Here in Maryland, there are two ski and snowboard resorts that thousands of individuals visit each year. The Savage River Lodge in Frostburg has more than 700 acres of land for patrons to enjoy, including both indoor and outdoor recreation activities. At Wisp Resort, the ski and snowboard mountain summit measures in at 3,115 feet, with slopes ranging from beginner to expert. With winter upon us, be sure to understand the dangers of snow sports, as well as the steps to take following an accident.

Injuries sustained from skiing and snowboarding range from very minor, to life-altering. Nearly everyone who bundles up and heads for the slopes is bound to fall at least once, and unfortunately some end up getting severely injured. Whether the slopes were not managed well or fellow skiers and snowboarders are behaving irresponsibility on the terrain, injuries can happen when you least expect them.

The most common causes of injuries for skiers and snowboarders, include:
–  Chair lift accidents
–  Collisions with fences, path bridges, trees, or signs
–  Collisions with others on the sport terrain
–  Accidents resulting from inadequate instruction from trainers
–  Accidents resulting from faulty or defective equipment

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your skiing or snowboarding injury, you may want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits typically mean someone was negligent in providing adequate safety, which resulted in an injury. However, in order to use negligence as the base of your lawsuit, you will need to be able to prove that the responsible party failed to adequately provide safety, and that he or she is at fault.

With skiing or snowboarding accidents, the legal theory of negligence may be appropriate, if:
–  Your injury was caused by someone acting recklessly or carelessly
–  The terrain that you were injured on was poorly maintained and was not suitable for skiers or snowboarders
–  An instructor led you to terrain that you were not ready for, skill-wise.

Defective product lawsuits are also prevalent with skiers and snowboarders because of the equipment involved in these activities. If your skis or snowboard broke or came unfastened while you were using them, leading to an injury, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the equipment in a product liability lawsuit. In order for product liability lawsuits to be successful, the plaintiff (injured person) must be able to prove that his or her injury was directly caused by the defective product.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a skiing or snowboarding accident, contact a personal injury attorney immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the better. The attorneys at Ingerman & Horwitz specialize in injury litigation, and know how to get you the compensation, and justice, that you deserve.  Contact us today.  We’re here to help.