Who Is Liable If You Fall Off a Ski Lift?

As with many adventure sports, skiing comes with risks, one of which is falling off the ski lift. If you or a family member has been injured or died from a ski lift fall, you are likely questioning who is liable for the accident. From disregard of poor weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, human error, or operator negligence, a variety of factors can be involved in determining who is at fault for the accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can be invaluable in identifying who is liable and advocating for the compensation you deserve.

With over 35 years of experience representing injured individuals in Colorado, Mintz Law Firm understands the complexities of ski lift accident cases. We are dedicated to identifying the responsible parties and holding them accountable. Our team’s personalized approach means we are with you every step of the way, offering the guidance you need during this challenging time.

Who Can Be Held Liable If You Fall Off a Ski Lift?

Several factors come into play in these cases, but it’s essential you seek medical attention and report your fall to the proper authorities so there is an official record of your accident. An investigation can help determine who is responsible for your personal injury case. This investigation can help identify if any of the following occurred: 

• Operator negligence: Ski lift operators are responsible for running and maintaining the lift. They should be trained in proper safety measures to operate the ski lift. If they fail to perform their duties adequately, they or their employer may be liable for accidents.
• Ski resort negligence: Ski resorts must maintain the safety of their facilities, including the ski lift. They must adequately train their operators, install and maintain safety features on the lift, and routinely maintain the lift itself. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for your injury.  
• Equipment malfunction: If your fall results from a faulty or malfunctioning piece of equipment, the manufacturer can be held responsible for any injuries you sustain. This is called a product liability case and holds manufacturers accountable for any defective products they create. 
• Human error: When another skier’s actions cause you to fall from the ski lift, they might be liable in your personal injury case. 

While documenting your accident and identifying those responsible can sound daunting, a personal injury lawyer can conduct an investigation for you and collect evidence to determine who is liable for your ski lift accident.

Can The Ski Resort Be Held Liable If I Signed a Liability Waiver?

Most ski resorts require you to sign a release of liability waiver before you can use their facilities. While a liability waiver can complicate your personal injury case, you should understand that you still have legal rights even if you signed this waiver before your ski lift accident. 

By signing a waiver, you acknowledge that you have been informed of the risks of using the ski resort. However, there is a possibility that your liability waiver cannot be enforced if your accident could have been prevented had the ski resort or ski lift operator taken the correct safety measures and not shown negligence in your accident.

In a recent personal injury case, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the ski resort in the case could not use the signed waiver agreement to release itself of liability because they failed to comply with the regulations required to operate the ski lift. 

How Can Mintz Law Firm Help After Your Ski Lift Fall?

If you’ve been injured in a ski lift accident, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and recovery. At Mintz Law Firm, we have over 35 years of experience handling personal injury cases throughout Colorado, including those involving ski lift accidents. Our team has the knowledge and dedication to thoroughly investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and hold them accountable for their negligence.

We are committed to providing personalized attention to each of our clients. From the moment you contact us, we’ll walk you through each step of the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us at (303) 462-2999 or visit our contact form to get started on your case today.