Ski Resort Accident Lawyer
Each year, snowboarders and skiers flood to Utah to enjoy its world-renowned ski resorts. But more visitors typically means more accidents.
If you are a skier or snowboarder involved in an accident, ski resort accident lawyer Lynn C. Harris can help you recover compensation.
Our Salt Lake City, UT, attorney can determine whether your case was a simple accident or whether another party was at fault...
What to Do Immediately after a Ski Accident
If you believe that another party is to blame for your ski accident, you should take precautions to protect yourself and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Get Medical Care
Your health and safety are the first priority. Do not decline any medical attention offered at the scene.
Gather Evidence
If safe to do so, take pictures of the scene. Photos of defective equipment, improperly maintained trails, or other factors that contributed to the event could be useful when building a case. Take pictures of your injuries, too.
Collect Contact Information
If you were hit by someone else who was skiing or snowboarding, you should make sure to get their contact information. However, if you were injured as a result of faulty equipment, malfunctioning lifts, or poorly maintained trails, you should get the contact information for the resort.
Call an Attorney
Whether you live in Salt Lake City or are visiting from outside of Utah, you will need an Utah attorney who is well-versed in state laws regarding skiing-related cases. Lynn C. Harris offers free consultations. Simply request a case review online or call (801) 375-9801.
To Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit, You Must Prove Fault
In general, someone must be at fault for the accident in order for you to recover compensation. You must be able to prove that the other skier, snowboarder, driver, or resort employee acted negligently or recklessly, causing the event. Most ski areas adhere to a responsibility code, which requires skiers and snowboarders to:
- Stay in control
- Give right of way to people ahead of them
- Not stop in an unsafe location
- Yield to others before starting downhill or joining a trail
- Attempt to prevent runaway equipment
- Observe the signage and warnings along the trails
- Know how to properly use a ski lift
If you believe that your snow sport or skiing accident occurred because these guidelines were violated, you may be able to prove that negligence or recklessness were involved.
Common Types of Skiing Accidents
Ski Lift Failure
The chairlift is a necessary part of skiing, allowing skiers to reach trails and truly enjoy the sport. When a ski lift malfunctions due to a defective part, improper maintenance, or ski area operator error, the effects can be devastating.
Collisions between Riders
If you love to ski or snowboard, you know that collisions with others are sometimes inevitable. But if the other party was defying the responsibility code, was skiing while intoxicated, or was otherwise acting negligently, they could be held responsible.
Collisions with Objects
Ski accidents can also involve maintenance vehicles or other objects that are left in a dangerous place by the ski area operators. If you believe that your injury could have been avoided if the area was clear, you may have a case.
Poor Trail Maintenance
It is the responsibility of the ski resort to maintain ski and snowboarding trails. If the trails are unsafe, signage and warnings should be clearly posted. Poorly maintained trails or lack of proper signage could lead to dangerous incidents.
If you experienced any of these accidents at a resort, you may be entitled to compensation. Consult with a lawyer who has experience with ski laws and how they affect personal injury cases.
What Clients Say about Lynn C. Harris
"Working with the Harris Personal Injury Attorney was one of the best choices I could’ve made. He was attentive, on top of every detail. He worked fast and hard for me. I got a fair and good settlement on my accident. It was timely and it was so needed. I know they split whatever profits were left with me that meant so much to me. I would use them again and refer them to anyone looking for a good personal injury law firm!!" Debi P.
