What Is the First Thing I Should Do After a Ski Accident?

Skiing is a fun and exciting pastime. Many families and individuals enjoy skiing on vacations and holidays. But skiing comes with inherent risks. This fun physical activity can also result in accidents and injuries. 

If you or someone that you love has been injured in a skiing accident, you probably have many questions. When another person’s actions cause you harm, you may be owed significant financial compensation.

When you find yourself thinking, “I got into a ski accident. What do I do?'' reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer to explore your options. A legal professional will examine your case and help you take the right steps to move forward.

Skiing laws and regulations vary from state to state. Because of this, it is important to secure the services of an attorney with experience in the skiing laws in your area.

The accomplished firm of Morgan & Morgan has plenty of experience protecting the rights of skiing accident victims. When you have been injured, you are likely to face mounting financial costs and expenses. 

The team at Morgan & Morgan will fight tirelessly to recover the financial compensation that you deserve in the aftermath of your ski accident. When you think, “I got into ski accident; what do I do?'' fill out the simple contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website.

Common Types of Ski Accidents and Injuries

Ski injuries can vary widely in severity. Falling on a ski slope may only result in very mild injuries. 

Some examples may include:

• Knee injuries
• Wrist and arm sprains
• Cuts and minor lacerations
• Lower leg fractures
• Broken fingers and hand bones
• And more

However, some ski accidents are much more serious. Many ski injuries can be life-altering and can result in long-term health consequences. 

Some of the most common severe skiing injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

When a skier’s head collides with the ground or another object, they may sustain a traumatic brain injury. Even with the proper safety gear, skiers are at an increased risk of head injuries.

Even a minor traumatic brain injury, also called a “concussion,” requires an immediate medical assessment. The following are some common symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of balance and dizziness

More severe traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term symptoms, such as:

• Loss of consciousness for minutes or hours
• Lasting headaches
• Recurring vomiting
• Convulsions
• Confusion
• Agitation
• And more

If you have been in a ski accident and believe that you have a brain injury, seek medical care immediately. You may think, “I got into a ski accident. What should I do? Should I call an attorney?” 

While it is vital to speak with an experienced legal professional, your health and safety should always be your first priority.

Spinal and Back Injuries

Back and spinal injuries are also incredibly common as the result of skiing accidents. This is especially true when skiers are engaged in high-speed or steep ski runs.

Spinal injuries result from damage to the nerves or bones in the victim’s spinal column. This type of injury can be devastating and can have ongoing health consequences for the victim.

Some of the most common lasting symptoms from a spinal or back injury include:

• Pressure or pain in the neck
• Pressure or pain in the back
• Lack of coordination 
• Weakness
• Loss of sensation in the limbs or extremities

This type of injury often results in skyrocketing medical expenses. If you sustained a back injury as the result of a skiing accident, speak with an attorney to pursue the financial recovery that you need.

Typical Causes of Ski Accidents

Every ski accident is unique. But some situations make accidents and injuries much more likely.

Some of the most common causes of ski accidents include:

Collisions

One of the most common scenarios for skiing accidents is collisions. When a skier or snowboarder loses control or cannot turn in time, they may collide with another person.

This type of collision can result in serious injuries for both parties. If someone has collided with you while you are skiing or snowboarding, they may owe you financial recovery. 

In many cases, you can pursue compensation through the other party’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. A competent personal injury attorney can help you to explore all of your options for recovering compensation.

The majority of states place liability on the uphill skier or snowboarder. When you are descending a hill, it is your responsibility to avoid hitting others below you.

If you have been injured by an uphill skier or snowboarder, you may think, “I got into a ski accident. What do I do?” One of the trusted attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will build a powerful ski accident case on your behalf.

Falls and Collisions With Objects

Not every ski accident involves multiple parties. Many skiers are injured after falling or colliding with an inanimate object.

Some of the most common obstacles on ski runs are:

• Rocks
• Trees
• Bushes
• Barriers
• Fences
• Signs
• And more

If someone’s negligence caused you to become injured after colliding with an object, you may be able to file a successful personal injury claim.  

Chair Lift Accidents

Many ski resorts feature chair lifts to take skiers from the bottom to the top of the hill. Chair lifts require regular maintenance and repair checks.

When a resort owner or operator fails to adequately maintain chair lifts, skiers may face increased risks of accidents and injuries. You should not have to bear the burdens of an injury caused by a negligent ski resort.

Chair lift accidents may qualify you for financial compensation from the liable party. Speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to explore your options.

Accidents From Inadequate Instruction

Many people choose to ski as a casual pastime. You may decide to try skiing for the first time on a vacation or holiday.

In cases like these, people often learn from a skiing or snowboarding instructor. When the instructor has given you poor or low-quality instructions, you may not be adequately prepared to ski safely.

When you have been given improper instructions, your skiing instructor may be held responsible for any resulting damages to you. The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can review your circumstance and help you determine legal liability.

Accidents Caused by Faulty Equipment

Not every skiing accident is the result of the negligence of a skier, trainer, or resort owner. Sometimes, a ski accident occurs because of faulty or malfunctioning equipment.

Chair lifts, snowmobiles, and other mechanical equipment require regular maintenance. But in some cases, a manufacturing or design error can result in an accident or injury.

When faulty equipment has caused you to become injured, the following parties may be held legally responsible:

• Parts manufacturers
• Equipment distributors
• Product designers
• Equipment retailers

By filing a product liability claim, you may be able to recover compensation for the costs associated with your accident. After sustaining an injury, you may think, “I got into a ski accident. What do I do?”

One of the most important steps is contacting a knowledgeable ski accident lawyer. A legal expert can guide you through the process of pursuing a personal injury claim.

Do not let negligent parties get away with causing you harm. Hold at-fault parties accountable with the help of the legal team at Morgan & Morgan.

I Got Into a Ski Accident. What Do I Do?

Most injury victims are uncertain about what steps to take following a ski accident. In the moments after an accident, it is normal to feel afraid, confused, and overwhelmed.

Take the following steps in the aftermath of a ski or snowboarding accident:

Seek Medical Care

The first step you should take following an accident is to seek medical care. Your safety is the most important factor in any situation. 

Even if you do not feel like you are injured, symptoms may arise later. After an accident, your adrenaline may keep you from being aware of bodily damage.

A medical professional will document any injuries that happened because of your ski accident. This medical record will be helpful in any resulting personal injury claim.

Report the Accident

Most mountains will have a ski patrol number listed on a sign or resort map. Contact ski patrol or a resort representative to report the mishap.

Many states require victims to report a ski accident before leaving the scene.

Document the Accident

Take photos that help to document the ski accident. This will help to corroborate your version of events when you seek financial compensation.

Take pictures of:

• Resulting injuries
• Property damage
• Obstacles on the slope
• Weather conditions

The more evidence you gather after your accident, the better.

Finally, you should call a skilled ski injury attorney. Having a legal representative handle your case from the beginning is critical.