Where Can I Find the Best Ski Accident Lawyers in New York?

Skiing down a beautiful mountain in a winter wonderland can be a magical and exhilarating experience. However, even in the best weather conditions, skiing is a risky activity, and accidents are a common occurrence on the slopes. 

If you got hurt due to another skier or snowboarder acting carelessly or plain recklessly, you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced New York ski accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan could help you recover awards for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Contact us for a free case review to determine whether you have a case. 

Common New York Skiing Accidents

There can be many causes for skiing accidents. However, some of the more common reasons for injuries on the slopes include:

• Collisions between skiers and snowboarders 
• Crashing into objects such as signs or trees 
• Defective skiing equipment
• Ski lift malfunction
• Poor directions from ski instructors
• Poorly maintained ski resorts
• Skiing equipment failure
• Low visibility and bad weather 

An accident could be the fault of another skier, a ski instructor, tour operator, or ski resort. Individuals should be aware of their legal rights and options if they suffer an injury while skiing. Generally, a ski resort’s facilities and equipment should be well maintained and safe to use. Moreover, staff and ski instructors should be appropriately qualified and trained. If a skier gets hurt due to the negligence of another party, they could seek compensation. 

New York State Laws for Skiers and Ski Resorts

Under the New York Safety in Skiing Code, individual skiers and ski resort operators have certain responsibilities designed to keep all skiers safe from harm. Among other requirements, skiers must:

• Only ski in designated areas 
• Not ski beyond their ability 
• Abide by the ski area operator’s instructions and directions
• Remain in control of the course and their speed to avoid collisions 
• Read the posted information on boards before skiing
• Remain at the scene of an accident 
• Yield to other skiers when entering a trail

Ski area operators, under the law, also have numerous responsibilities, some of which include:

• Posting warnings to skiers informing them of the inherent risks of the sport
• Posting notices reminding skiers of their duties and responsibilities
• Provide skiing instruction and education for a reasonable fee
• Holding employee training sessions at the beginning of the season
• Marking the slopes according to difficulty
• Inspecting slopes twice a day and record inspections in a log

If the liable party in your ski accident in New York broke state law when causing your accident, you could have a case and recover damages. Our New York ski accident lawyers know the complex legal issues involving ski accidents and can advise you comprehensively.

Injuries in Ski Accidents

Skiing, although increasing in popularity, is a high-risk sport. Knee injuries are by far the most common skiing injury. Commonly affected parts of the knee include ligaments attaching the thigh bone to the shin bone, called the ACL and MCL joints. Knee and leg injuries, in particular, can be severe if the binding on the skis fails to release in a fall. Skiing accidents can also cause painful and complicated fractures to the lower leg and ankles. Other common ski injuries include:

Shoulder Injuries

Holding out arms in an attempt to cushion a fall is an instinctive movement that can cause shoulder injuries, dislocation, and fractures in the shoulder area. A broken clavicle (collarbone) is also a common ski accident injury. 

Head and Brain Injuries

In a serious fall, head, face, and neck injuries can occur. Wearing a good quality ski helmet can reduce the risks of suffering a severe head and brain injury. 

Hand and Wrist Injuries

Wrists and hands are at particular risk of injury in a ski accident, as we tend to put our hands out when falling. Hands and wrists often absorb most of the impact in a fall, resulting in fractures and dislocations.

Other Injuries

Ski accidents can cause numerous additional injuries, including back and neck injuries, injuries of the muscles and ligaments, and bone fractures. 

A ski injury can impact your life considerably. A fracture, for example, could result in wage losses, high medical bills, and impaired mobility. If someone else caused your accident and injury, you could qualify for compensation for your accident expenses. 

Liable Parties in a Ski Accident

There could be various liable parties, depending on the facts of your accident. Some ski accident cases have multiple defendants, allowing victims to seek compensation from several avenues. Responsible parties can include:

• Tour operators
• Fellow skiers
• Ski equipment rental companies
• Ski equipment manufacturers
• Lift operators or manufacturers
• Ski instructors and guides
• Ski resorts

Knowing who is responsible for your losses can be confusing but is essential for recovering what you deserve. If you are unsure whom you could hold liable for your accident, our New York ski accident lawyers could help.  

Why Hire a New York Ski Accident Attorney?

Ski accident cases often involve complex legal issues and multiple defendants. Moreover, if your accident happened due to equipment failure, professional investigators and engineers might be required to investigate your case. 

Standing up against a ski resort or equipment manufacturer can feel intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you are still recovering. A New York ski accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help and:

Document Your Accident Case

Documenting your accident and injuries is critically important for building a case against the liable party. Your attorney can collect and organize evidence to strengthen your case and prove your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and others. 

Investigate the Ski Accident

Your attorney can also investigate the facts and circumstances of your ski accident with the help of professional accident investigators. Your lawyer can gather and review all the evidence available, including: 

• Ski patrol and police reports 
• Surveillance camera footage
• Photographs from the accident scene and injuries
• Witness statements

Once all the necessary information has been reviewed, your attorney can help you file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the responsible party.

Negotiate Your Settlement

After a ski accident, the responsible insurance company may not be on your side, focusing on their bottom line instead. At this stage, it can be essential to have our seasoned New York ski accident lawyers by your side who can negotiate strongly for your best interests and the maximum settlement amount. An insurance company could:

• Make lowball settlement offers
• Dispute the severity of your injuries and financial losses
• Delay or deny your claim unreasonably 
• Use intimidation tactics 

If you were seriously injured, you deserve adequate compensation. One of our ski accident lawyers can protect your rights and fight for what you deserve. 

Filing Your Lawsuit

Although most ski accident cases are resolved out of court, some victims may have to go through the legal process to get what they deserve. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against the liable party and fight vigorously for full and fair compensation.

Finding the Best Ski Accident Lawyer in New York  

Once you decide to work with a lawyer, you might wonder what your next steps are for finding the best person to represent you. Finding an excellent ski accident attorney does not have to be time consuming or stressful. You could start by:

• Asking friends and family members for injury attorney referrals
• Searching for lawyers on the New York State Bar Association’s website
• Viewing online directories such as Martindale and Avvo.

After having made a list of suitable law firms and attorneys, your next best step can be to meet your potential lawyers personally in a free, no-obligation consultation.

Morgan & Morgan Has Your Back

If you are looking for the best ski accident attorneys in New York, we can help. Morgan & Morgan has recovered more than $20 billion in damages. We could help you, too, receive what you need to get your life back on track after a significant injury. Size matters: with more than 1,000 motivated and experienced attorneys at our disposal, we have the resources and stamina to fight for maximum recovery in ski accident cases. You do not pay a dime unless and until we are successful and you receive compensation.