Although skiing is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the area, skiing accidents in Grand Junction can result in life-altering harm. People injured in skiing accidents can face a difficult healing process, during which they might need to undergo medical procedures, lengthy hospital stays, and painful physical therapy. While they fight for their recovery, they might need to stop working, and they may be unable to pay their costly medical bills as a result.
Our skilled premises liability attorneys at Veritas Injury Lawyers know how to help. We can investigate the circumstances of your accident to see if someone else bears potential legal liability for your losses.
Can You Sue a Ski Resort?
Skiing is a sport that has its inherent dangers. Skiers can suffer a variety of injuries while gliding down ski slopes.
Are Waivers of Liability Valid?
Most ski resorts in the area try to limit their exposure to lawsuits by having resort guests sign waivers or by attaching the waivers to the back of their guests’ ski lift tickets. In these waivers, guests acknowledge and assume the risks of skiing and agree not to hold the ski resort responsible for any harm they suffer in an accident. Generally, state courts uphold the validity of these waivers. However, waivers are not enforceable when ski resorts breach their duties under the Colorado Ski Safety Act.
What Are a Ski Resort’s Duties Under the Ski Safety Act?
Although ski resort operators are not responsible for the dangers inherent to skiing down a mountain, they are responsible for injuries that occur due to their negligence. An injured skier can pursue a claim if the ski resort did not properly operate or maintain a ski area to ensure it is as safe as possible. For instance, a ski resort could be liable if the ski area was negligent in their hiring practices or if they failed to adequately train their employees in how to safely manage the ski area or operate a chairlift. A ski resort could also be liable if they negligently designed, constructed, or maintained the ski area such that the area was inherently dangerous. For example, if the design of a ski slope forced most skiers to crash into trees at the bottom of a blind corner, the resort could be liable for a skier’s injuries. Similarly, a resort could be liable if one of their employees crashed into a skier while operating a snowmobile or plow, or if an employee made a mistake while operating a chairlift that caused people to crash into each other.
Our knowledgeable attorneys can carefully investigate the circumstances of your Grand Junction ski accident. We can search for ways around any waivers of liability. We can also speak with witnesses and learn about the operation of the resort.
Can You Sue Another Skier?
If you believe another skier or snowboarder was at fault for your Grand Junction ski accident, you may be able to sue them directly. Our attorneys can help you search for evidence of reckless conduct if a ski collision harmed you. Skiers have a duty under the Colorado Ski Safety Act to operate within their abilities, maintain control, and look out for others. Typically, the uphill skier is the person who would have had the most opportunity to avoid a collision. Our skilled legal team can investigate for strong evidence to help you build a solid claim for compensation.
Talk With a Grand Junction Lawyer After a Ski Crash
Skiing accidents in Grand Junction can result in devastating injuries. Recovering compensation in a civil lawsuit could help you heal and move forward after the accident.
Talk with our attorneys at Veritas Injury Lawyers today to get started.
