Ski Resort Accidents Attorney Denver, Colorado
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ToggleColorado is known for its beautiful landscapes and its endless offerings of outdoor activities. Colorado is home to some of the country’s most famous ski resorts, including Breckenridge Resort, Copper Mountain Resort, and Keystone Resort. Skiing and snowboarding are some of the most popular recreational activities in Colorado, which unfortunately means that numerous residents and visitors are injured in skiing and snowboarding accidents every year.
Colorado ski resorts have a duty to keep skiers and other visitors safe. If a Colorado ski resort is negligent, and a visitor is injured, the resort could be liable for damages.
If you were injured in Colorado in a ski accident, you have a two-year period to file a lawsuit for damages–therefore, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.
Colorado Ski Safety Act
The Colorado Ski Safety Act was created to establish reasonable safety standards for ski businesses. Additionally, it defines the rights and responsibilities of ski area operators and patrons.
Some of the requirements imposed upon ski resorts include marking ski trails, providing warnings where warranted, installing lighting in areas of low visibility, and warning guests of nearby snow-grooming equipment.
Ski resorts are also expected to operate ski lifts with extreme caution. A ski lift accident could be quite dangerous, resulting in serious injuries or even death.
Skiers also are expected to exercise caution while on the slopes. For instance, skiers should not attempt advanced trails if they do not have the skills to do so. They should also ski at a reasonable speed and watch out for other skiers.
Colorado’s Ski Safety Act (“SSA”) requires a ski area operator to print lift tickets that display a warning to skiers of the “inherent dangers and risks of skiing,” specifically using language from section 33–44–103(3.5) and section 33–44–107(8)(c), C.R.S. (2015). The required lift ticket warning notifies skiers that they assume the risk of injury from a host of hazards, specifically: “[c]hanging weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.”
If a ski operator or a skier is negligent and a skiing accident occurs, the at-fault party could be held liable in a Colorado personal injury claim.
Types of Accidents That Can Occur at Ski Resorts in Colorado
A variety of accidents can occur at Colorado ski resorts, whether it is on the slopes or in a ski lodge. Some of the most common ski resort accidents include:
- Skier collisions;
- Snowboarder collisions;
- Ski lift accidents;
- Slip and falls, such as on icy sidewalks or wet floors;
- Ski equipment failure; and
- Ski area negligence, such as failing to mark proper trails.
If a skier or a snowboarder collides with another person, the negligent skier could be at fault and held liable if the other person was injured.
High-speed impact collisions can cause a variety of injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
In Colorado, a ski resort’s ski patrol typically investigates any accidents and completes accident reports that detail the events and identify any witnesses.
The accident report can be a valuable asset in a Colorado personal injury claim.
Call Our Denver, Colorado Ski Resort Accident Lawyer at Donaldson Law, LLC For Your Free Consultation Today
Did you suffer catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed because of a Colorado ski resort’s negligence? Contact a Denver ski resort accident lawyer at Donaldson Law, LLC to begin seeking the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Denver personal injury attorney Jennifer Donaldson is experienced in ski injury claims and works hard to ensure her clients obtain the best results possible.
Call 303-458-5000 or submit an online form to schedule a free consultation with our firm.