Denver Ski Accident Lawyer
Skiing and snowboarding accidents often lead to serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a ski resort accident, you may be left facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and an array of other challenges. But if someone else was to blame for your injuries, they could owe you compensation for these and other losses – and the Denver ski accident lawyers with The Wilhite Law Firm can help you demand it. While we work on pursuing compensation, you can work on getting better. Contact us online or call us today for your free consultation.
What Accidents Can Happen at Ski Resorts in Colorado?
Denver ski and snowboard accidents may take several forms, including:
- Collisions with other skiers or fixed barriers
- Accidents involving dangerous equipment, like defective ski boots
- Accidents involving dangerous facilities, like malfunctioning ski lifts or icy walkways
These are just a few of the common types of ski accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a skiing or snowboarding accident that was someone else’s fault, contact an attorney immediately.
What Are Common Ski Accident Injuries?
Skiing accidents can have serious consequences, including:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal damage
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Bruises
These injuries can have a serious effect on the victim’s overall quality of life. A broken bone will at least require potentially costly medical treatment. A traumatic head injury could result in long-term cognitive difficulties, inability to work, and difficulty with everyday tasks. Victims of such injuries may be eligible for compensation depending on the cause of the accident.
What Is the Colorado Ski Safety Act?
The Colorado Ski Safety Act outlines the rights and responsibilities of both skiers and ski resorts. The law states a skier can’t file a claim or lawsuit against a ski resort’s operators for an injury that results from an inherent danger of skiing.
However, injured parties may take legal action if they sustained injuries because a ski resort operator was negligent under the law, such as by:
- Not using proper signage – The Colorado Ski Safety Act explains that ski resort operators must use signage to communicate important information to customers. For example, signs should explain how skiers may safely get off ski lifts. Signs should also provide information about how difficult certain trails are.
- Not marking hazards – The law requires ski resort operators to clearly mark the presence of structures such as water pipes and hydrants. Skiers and snowboarders may have difficulty seeing these hazards with snow on the ground.
- Violating maintenance equipment rules – The Colorado Ski Safety Act establishes rules regarding how ski resort operators may keep maintenance equipment near trails. These rules also specify a minimum number of lights ski resort operators must equip their snowmobiles with.
You could file a claim against the ski resort operator if your injuries resulted from their negligence. A Denver ski accident attorney familiar with the Colorado Ski Safety Act can review your case and explain if this is an option.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Denver Ski Accident?
Many factors go into creating a safe skiing environment. Because of this, there are several chances for someone’s negligence to cause a ski accident. That means that there are also several parties that could be at fault for your injuries, including:
- The ski resort
- Another skier
- Equipment manufacturers
- A maintenance company
With so many possible liable parties, a Denver ski accident lawyer can help you determine who is responsible for your losses and work to hold them accountable.
What If I Signed a Liability Waiver at the Ski Resort?
Ski resorts sometimes ask customers to sign waivers before using their facilities. These waivers state that customers assume all risk when skiing or snowboarding at a resort. Often, they essentially grant blanket immunity to a ski resort’s operators.
A recent story in the Colorado Sun indicates the Colorado Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from a plaintiff injured at a ski resort. The plaintiff in this case had been unable to secure compensation after being injured because they signed a waiver.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case suggests waivers might serve as loopholes for ski resort operators to avoid liability. However, a waiver would not protect a resort from legal actions concerning injuries it caused by violating the Ski Safety Act. If you signed a waiver and are unsure if you have a case, contact a Colorado ski accident attorney to learn about your options for compensation.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Ski Accident?
Once you’ve sought medical treatment after a ski accident, you can take the following steps to further protect yourself and your rights:
- Report the accident to the slope operator if you haven’t already.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter.
- Save any documents related to your medical treatment and other accident-related expenses.
- Write down your recollection of events while your memory is still fresh.
- Get in touch with a Denver ski accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Does Colorado Have a Time Limit for Filing a Ski Accident Lawsuit?
You have two years from the date of a skiing or snowboarding accident in Colorado to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Reach out to a Colorado ski accident law firm sooner rather than later to avoid waiving your right to compensation.
Contact a Denver Ski Accident Lawyer
At The Wilhite Law Firm, our compassionate Denver ski accident attorneys are ready to help you during this challenging time. We can investigate your case to determine liability, negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf, and fight hard for the money you deserve. Find out if we’re right for your case by contacting us for a free consultation today.
