Snowboard Injury Lawyer

Our experienced team of professionals at Mintz Law Firm has served the Denver area for decades. We fight tirelessly for victims of snowboarding accidents, and no case is too challenging for us to take on. We understand the aftermath of these incidents can be overwhelming, so we are prepared to help you understand what goes into a snowboard accident claim.

What Constitutes a Snowboard Accident in Denver, CO?

According to the National Ski Areas Association, 41 catastrophic incidents occurred in ski/snowboard areas in the 2020-2021 winter season. Some of the most common snowboard accidents include the following:

• Collisions: These accidents occur when a downhill snowboarder does not keep an eye out for others, causing them to crash into another rider.
• Faulty Equipment: Whether you have your own gear or rent it from a resort or other company, you may get into an accident due to defective or poorly-maintained equipment.
• Resort Negligence: Resorts are responsible for ensuring their grounds remain safe and free of any hazards. If they fail to do so, it could cause an accident.
• Machinery Accidents: Ski lifts and other machinery may also cause an accident if they are not properly maintained and inspected.

Even if you wear the proper safety equipment, you may still sustain injuries from these accidents. Snowboarding involves extensive knowledge, high speeds, and potentially dangerous equipment, so crashes may lead to the following injuries:

• Concussions and other head injuries
• Shoulder dislocation or fracture
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Neck injuries
• Joint injuries
• Hand and foot injuries

If you have sustained any injuries in a snowboarding accident through no fault of your own, our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you hold the at-fault party accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Liability in Denver Snowboard Accidents

After your snowboarding accident, the details may be difficult to remember, making it challenging to identify a liable party. We may be able to listen to your story and document important details and evidence to figure out who should be held accountable for your injuries. Potentially responsible parties for snowboarding accidents include the following:

• Another snowboarder: It is up to snowboarders to recognize their own abilities and skill levels. If another rider fails to look out for other snowboarders, rides recklessly, or snowboards while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be responsible.
• Ski resort: While resorts often make you sign a waiver, there may be instances in which they can be liable for an accident.
• Equipment manufacturer: The manufacturer might be held liable if a defective ski lift or other malfunctioning equipment caused the accident.

As a result of so many snowboarding accidents, the state government passed the Colorado Ski Safety Act. 

What Is the CO Ski Safety Act?

The Colorado Ski Safety Act (CSSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of skiers and snowboarders. Its primary purpose is to establish responsibilities and liabilities for both skiers and ski area operators. It is designed to promote safety on the slopes while striking a balance between recreational freedom and personal responsibility.

There are several key provisions of this act, including:

• Inherent Risks: One of the fundamental principles of the CSSA is acknowledging the inherent risks associated with skiing and snowboarding. It explicitly states that participants assume these risks when engaging in winter sports activities. These risks include snow conditions, weather, terrain variations, and the actions of other skiers or snowboarders.
• Liability Limitations for Ski Areas: The CSSA limits the liability of ski area operators for injuries or accidents that occur within their boundaries. Ski resorts are required to post warning signs at various locations, outlining these limitations and informing skiers and snowboarders about the inherent risks.
• Responsibilities of Skiers and Snowboarders: The act places certain responsibilities on participants. Skiers and snowboarders must obey posted signs, maintain control, avoid collisions, and refrain from behaviors that endanger themselves or others. Failure to do so can result in liability for any injuries caused.
• Terrain Park and Ski Lift Safety: The CSSA also addresses safety in terrain parks and on ski lifts. Ski resorts are obligated to ensure the safety of their terrain parks and inspect ski lifts regularly to maintain safety standards.
• Injury Reporting: In case of a collision or accident resulting in injury, the CSSA requires that the involved parties must provide their names and addresses to each other. Failure to do so may lead to fines.

The Colorado Ski Safety Act is a crucial piece of legislation that shapes the skiing and snowboarding experience in the state of Colorado.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Snowboard Accident in Denver, Colorado?

Once we determine who was responsible for your injuries, we may be able to help you hold them accountable and pursue financial compensation for your losses. Injuries from snowboarding accidents can result in expensive bills and life changes that deserve to be recognized. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may recover the following damages:

• Emotional distress
• Current and future medical bills
• Property damage
• Lost wages from missed work
• Ambulance ride
• Hospital bills
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation
• Prescription medication costs
• Reduced quality of life
• Physical therapy

When recovering damages, it’s important to know that Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state. This means each party gets assigned a fault percentage, and their damages get reduced by that amount. For example, you may be found 15% at fault for the snowboarding accident, so your damages would be deducted by 15%. If you are over 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages at all. We may be able to negotiate with insurance companies to help ensure you do not get assigned an unfair fault percentage and achieve a successful outcome.

Consult a Knowledgeable Denver Snowboarding Accident Attorney at Mintz Law Firm

Sustaining injuries in a snowboarding accident through no fault of your own is not easy to get through. Fortunately, you do not have to manage the legal process alone. Our reliable snowboarding accident attorneys in Denver, CO may be able to handle every aspect of your case to achieve maximum compensation while you focus on your recovery. Our professional team at Mintz Law Firm strives to reduce your stress and build the strongest case possible.

With our 150 years of combined legal experience, we have the skills, tools, and resources necessary to take on any snowboarding accident of any scope. We have extensive knowledge of Colorado’s snowboarding laws and how to negotiate with insurance companies to avoid lowball offers. Our snowboarding accident lawyers in Denver are committed to providing top-notch legal services with our educational approach. Give us a call at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.