Ski Resort Liability: Overview
The popularity of skiing has sky rocketed over the last 20 years. Today, families and adventure seekers flock to the Rocky Mountain Range of Colorado, its east coast counter part, the Appalachians, and other winter destinations in search of snow, excitement, and the thrill of skiing. However, as with any sport that places its participants at risk, rules, regulations, and laws have been formulated to protect individuals from accidents that inevitably occur.
Modern ski law is a complicated system of local rules, regulations, and statutes that differ in nearly every state. Over the years, the law has undergone a massive transformation. Where skiers initially had little recourse against wrongdoers, today's victims of skiing related accidents often successfully seek justice in court. The atmosphere is much changed from the time when skiing was considered inherently dangerous and injured skiers were faced with a "you knew what you were getting yourself into" attitude by the courts. Historically, proving negligence on the part of a ski resort or fellow skier was almost impossible. However, over time skiers gradually gained protection against careless ski resort operators and patrons. Resorts were soon held responsible for failing to conduct themselves with ordinary and reasonable care.
Typical skiing related lawsuits involve downhill accidents, collision incidents, and lift mishaps. Collisions with poorly located signs are often a source of litigation. In addition, inadequate slope maintenance by resort employees can result in liability. Furthermore, injuries sustained during ski instruction or while under the care of the ski patrol can be actionable. Finally, accidents involving snowmobiles operated by resort employees have resulted in significant damage awards.
America's ski resorts attract nearly 54 million visitors each year and generate $12 billion in revenue. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of the sport comes more accidents and litigation. If you have been injured because of the carelessness of another skier or through the negligence of a ski resort operator or employee, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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