Skiing Accident Claims

Claim compensation for a skiing accident

Many of us Britons are just occasional skiers, and once a year will venture onto the slopes of France or Switzerland for some exhilarating exercise. That we often pick up injuries is usually down to our lack of fitness and the inherent difficulty of the sport. Orthopaedic surgeons in Harley Street have a busy time of it in the spring repairing ruptured knee ligaments and the like for returning 40-somethings.

Civil claims after a skiing accident

Sometimes however the injury is serious, occasionally there is a fatality, and sometimes the accident was caused by somebody else’s careless or reckless act, and in those cases, it may be worth consulting a lawyer about a personal injury claim.

The death of actress Natasha Richardson in 2009 prompted calls for ski helmets to be made compulsory. She died from head injuries sustained in a fall down a piste in Canada. There followed three fatal accidents involving British skiers. A young man was reportedly racing at 100kph when he crashed into a snow cannon at the side of the piste. He was not wearing a helmet. Then a teacher was skiing off-piste in France when he got into difficulties and fell about 200 metres down cliffs to his death. Finally, a man in his sixties died after he crashed into a rock in poor visibility in the French Alps.

Without question, a ski helmet will reduce the risk of sustaining a head injury in a skiing accident and this particular piece of safety equipment is becoming more prevalent on the pistes of Europe. It is not compulsory though and in any event, will not guard against the risk of spinal or back injuries caused by the recklessness of other skiers.

Ski Collisions and Reckless Skiers

If a skier disregards the usual rules and etiquette about speed and allowing priority to those ahead then they face the risk of a civil claim being brought against them personally by those they injure in collisions. In reality, the guilty party’s insurers will pick up the tab under their public liability cover. if you have been injured in similar circumstances you should exchange details with the other party and obtain the contact details of any witnesses.

Faulty Equipment and Poor Maintenance

Rental shops must ensure skis, bindings, and other equipment are in good working order. If a binding fails to release in a fall due to poor maintenance, the rental company could be held liable. Similarly, ski resorts are responsible for ensuring slopes are clearly marked and safe. If an accident occurs due to a missing sign or a poorly lift, you may have grounds for a sports injury claim.

Instructor Negligence

Ski instructors owe a duty of care to those in their care, so that if perhaps because of language difficulties combined with a lack of attention an instructor gives you a challenge or takes you to a slope that is way beyond your capabilities and you have an accident and sustain an injury as a result then a claim against the ski school may succeed.

Package Holiday Claims and Jurisdiction Issues

Skiing accidents almost inevitably occur abroad, where there will be a different legal jurisdiction (and that includes Scotland!). This adds a layer of complexity to any claim, but if the ski trip was effectively a package holiday – and many are – then the claim can be brought against the tour operator in this country as a package holiday claim.

How much compensation will I get for my skiing injury claim?

Compensation for a skiing injury varies widely based on the specifics of your claim, including the severity of the injury, the circumstances leading to the injury, and the long-term impact on your life and your earning potential. To calculate the right amount, your lawyer will assess every aspect of your claim to make sure you are fully compensated.

What types of skiing injuries can I claim for?

We have helped clients claim compensation for a wide range of ski injuries including:

• Ankle Injury Claims
• Arm Injury Claims
• Back Injury Claims
• Elbow Injury Claims
• Finger Injury Claims
• Hand Injury Claims
• Head & Brain Injury Claims
• Hip Injury Claims
• Knee Injury Claims
• Leg Injury Claims
• Neck Injury Claims
• Shoulder Injury Claims
• Wrist Injury Claims

How can Osbornes Law help?

If you’ve suffered a skiing injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Our expert solicitors will guide you through the compensation claims process and secure the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call 020 7485 8811 or fill in the contact form below.