Ski and Snowboard Accidents
It’s hard to think of an Alberta winter without considering snowsport adventures. Whether you are skiing or snowboarding, injury can occur. Unfortunately, the more participants there are on the hill, the more common serious ski injuries are becoming.
Skiing injuries can be devastating, and even deadly to victims. Every year, a handful of skiers are killed or seriously injured in Alberta’s mountains.
When injuries occur at ski resorts, it raises unique legal issues about the assignment of responsibility for damages. Responsible parties might be any of:
- Ski resort
- Ski resort employees
- Other skiers
- “Pedestrians” crossing the hill
- Equipment manufacturers, maintenance companies, and operators
Robinson LLP has successfully handled cases on behalf of the victims of ski accidents in the past.
If you or a family member was seriously injured or killed in a skiing accident, call Robinson LLP as soon as possible. We would like to give you the advantage of letting us obtain early evidence.
FAQ:
1. How do we determine who is at fault for my skiing injuries?
This is often the most complicated question and it is always completely dependent on your circumstances. It may be the case that your injuries are the fault of the ski resort, equipment manufacturers or owners, other skiers, or someone else entirely. The ski hill may be partially or completely protected by the liability waiver that forms a part of your ticket…but it may not. It is important that you give us an opportunity to explore this question before you make the decision of whether or not you have a viable action.
2. What if I was crashed into by a friend and I don’t want to sue him?
In many cases, your friend will have insurance coverage. If the fault lies a skier on the hill, their home owner’s liability policy may cover their losses.
3. What kind of damages can I claim?
Your damages depend upon your individual case. You may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering and loss of amenities of life, past and future care expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, funeral expenses, housekeeping losses, out of pocket expenses, and other damages, as applicable.
4. If I am skiing, am I not accepting the risks?
There are risks inherent to skiing and snowboarding. These activities are known to come with certain risks of crashes. The very nature of the sport makes certain types of injuries almost unavoidable. To some extent, you are responsible for your own safety on a ski hill.
However, in many cases, injuries are not caused by the inherent risks of the sport, but by the negligence of someone else. Examples include where someone else runs into you from the side or behind, accidents caused by improperly marked areas and where you have rented defective or malfunctioning equipment.
If you have been injured in a skiing or snowboarding accident do not hesitate to contact Robinson LLP today.