Skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating sports, but accidents on the slopes can quickly turn a great day into a life-altering event if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence while skiing or snowboarding, you might be entitled to pursue a legal claim for damages. Understanding the types of damages available can help you take the first steps toward recovery financially and physically.
Types of Damages You Can Claim in Ski or Snowboarding Accidents
Several categories of damages can be part of a legal claim. Each category addresses a different type of harm you’ve suffered.
Medical Expenses
One of the most immediate concerns following a serious accident is covering the cost of medical treatment. Injuries from ski or snowboarding incidents can be significant, and treatment expenses often pile up quickly. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones: A fractured wrist or collarbone from a fall or collision can require surgery and physical therapy.
- Head injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by impacts with other skiers, snowboarders, or obstacles.
- Spinal cord injuries: Serious falls can lead to back injuries that may require lengthy recovery times or permanent care.
Compensation for medical expenses can cover emergency treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, follow-up visits, physical therapy, prescription medication, and even assistive equipment like crutches or wheelchairs.
Lost Wages
A serious injury doesn’t just impact your body—it can also disrupt your ability to work. If an accident leaves you unable to perform your job, either temporarily or permanently, you might be able to claim lost wages. This could include:
- Income lost during recovery time.
- Compensation for reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same job or level of work you held before.
For instance, if you sustained a serious knee injury that prevented you from standing for long periods and you could no longer work in a physically demanding field, this could be factored into your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are financial. Pain and suffering compensate you for your injuries' physical and emotional toll. For example:
- Chronic pain or permanent disfigurement stemming from your injury.
- Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the accident.
Because these damages are less tangible than medical bills or lost wages, assessing their value often requires professional legal assistance.
Property Damage
Ski and snowboarding accidents don’t just hurt people—they can damage expensive gear, too. If your skis, snowboard, helmet, or other equipment were damaged or destroyed in the accident, you might be able to include their repair or replacement costs in your claim.
Examples of Liability in Ski or Snowboarding Accidents
For a successful claim, proving liability is critical. Some examples of situations that could demonstrate negligence include:
- Another skier or snowboarder is behaving recklessly and colliding with you.
- A resort fails to properly maintain equipment, mark hazards, or manage crowded slopes.
- Faulty equipment, such as improperly functioning bindings or dangerous ski lift malfunctions.
An experienced attorney can help investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine who may be held financially responsible.
Why Legal Help Is Essential
Ski and snowboarding accidents are unique when it comes to personal injury cases. There are often questions about assumed risk, as skiing inherently has some level of danger. However, that doesn’t mean you should bear the burden of someone else’s carelessness.
An attorney can help you evaluate the full impact of your injury and negotiate a fair settlement. This ensures that all of your current and future physical and emotional expenses are considered.
Fairbanks Snowmobile Accident Lawyer
Ski or snowboarding accidents can have far-reaching impacts, from immediate medical expenses to long-term financial and emotional challenges. Understanding the potential damages and legal considerations involved in these claims is essential for securing fair compensation. At Ringstad Law Office, PC, we specialize in personal injury cases, offering expert guidance and representation to help you navigate the complexities of your claim. If you've been injured in a ski or snowboarding accident in Fairbanks, AK, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (907) 891-7201 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards recovery.