Aurora Ski & Snowboard Accident Lawyers

Colorado STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

If you believe that your ski accident was caused by another’s negligence, contact an Aurora injury lawyer right away, for there are time constraints, such as statutes of limitations, involved in civil cases that determine how long you will have to file your claim. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case involving a ski or snowboarding accident is two years; this means that you would have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim.

If you attempt to file your claim beyond that two-year limit, your claim is barred. This means that it is not allowed and will be dismissed. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you determine when you will need to file, and if you are subject to any of the exceptions that exist to “toll” or delay the statute of limitations.

WHAT YOU CAN RECOVER for your skier injuries

You may be able to recover the costs associated with your injury and recovery through a personal injury claim. The severity of the injury and recovery time directly affects the amount of recovery for a personal injury action.

Your injury may leave you unable to work or perform daily tasks, and you might require ongoing medical care and extensive rehabilitative therapy. You may be able to recover the costs in the form of compensatory damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer near you in Aurora can assist you in recovering the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Recoverable damages include both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are the actual, monetary costs of your injury. Noneconomic damages cover the mental and emotional toll the injury has taken on your life and are recovered in the form of compensation for pain and suffering.

The following are common economic and noneconomic damages you may be entitled to recover for your CO ski or snowboarding injury:

Medical Bills

You may be able to recover the cost of medical bills you have paid out of pocket since the accident. This includes doctor’s visits, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and medication. Your injury attorney may also be able to recover the costs of any future appointments, medication, or treatments necessary for your recovery.

Lost Wages

If you are out of work due to your injury, you may recover what you would have earned from the time of the accident until you can return to work, as a part of your economic damages.

Diminished Earning Capacity

In addition to lost wages, you may be able to recover loss of earning capacity. If your injuries from the winter sport accident prevent you from going back to your job or working at another job for similar compensation, you may be able to recover the difference between what you were earning before the accident and what you are earning now.

Mental Anguish

Your non-economic damages include pain and suffering that result from the accident. Any kind of accident on the mountain will take an emotional and mental toll on a person and their family, especially when they expected to enjoy a relaxing winter or holiday vacation. You may be able to recover for this mental anguish itself, and the cost of mental health treatment that may stem from the accident.

SKI AND SNOWBOARD ACCIDENT PREVENTION

The National Ski Areas Association’s website has much information about ski and snowboard safety and accident prevention. When it comes to safety on the mountain, they have useful guidelines that all riders should follow.

Avoiding Collisions

The NSAA has three steps it says every rider should follow to avoid collisions. First, riders should always be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice. The mountains are usually crowded, and you never know when someone will cross your path.

It is important to maintain control of yourself while skiing or riding a snowboard or snowmobile, and this ties into the second step: Be Alert. Always be aware of your surroundings, not just to spot oncoming skiers and riders, but also for spotting changes in the terrain as you zoom down the mountain.

Step three is to plan ahead. Be cautious when passing other riders and always check uphill when crossing onto new trails. Take runs slowly if it is your first time riding down them, making mental notes of difficult areas for you, and areas in which you could safely slow down if necessary without getting in the way of other riders.

Equipment and Lift Tips

The NSAA strongly encourages all riders, regardless of skill level, to wear helmets when riding on a mountain. Though their use is relatively new in the world of skiing and snowboarding, helmets are an invaluable piece of equipment to have and can save your life if an accident occurs.

An example of the utility of helmets comes from the Michael Schumacher ski accident. In 2013, Michael Schumacher, a famous formula one racecar driver, was skiing with his son when he fell and hit his head on a rock.

He suffered from extensive injuries and is still recovering to this day. His family was told, however, that if it wasn’t for the helmet he was wearing, he would not have survived the accident.

In addition to safety equipment, the NSAA website also has listed Lift Safety Tips for minimizing the risk of injury while riding the lift. These tips include:

• Be familiar with the type of lift you are riding and ask for help if you need it.
• Before loading, remove backpacks and secure loose items. Remove pole straps from wrists.
• Look over your shoulder to watch the chair approach.
• Sit all the way in the chair, with your back to the seat rest.
• If the lift has a restraint bar, wait until everyone is seated, and slowly reach up and lower the bar. Do not attempt to lower the bar if you cannot reach it! Adults should always help kids to lower the bar.
• Be aware of your surroundings while riding the lift. If you drop something, let it fall! You can always ask ski patrol for help retrieving the lost item.
• As you approach the top terminal, prepare to raise the bar. Look for signs advising you to do so to help with your timing.

How Zinda LAW GROUP Aurora Ski and Snowboard Accident Lawyers Can HELP

Suffering from an injury due to a collision or other accident while skiing or snowboarding can be a source of immense emotional and financial strain on you and your family. It is important to get as much help and support as you can immediately following your or your loved one’s injury. The Aurora ski accident lawyers at Zinda Law Group can assist you with recovering the costs associated with your or your loved one’s injury and recovery.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers will guide you through the often-complex legal system to help file your claim and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We will take care of the legal work so you can focus on yourself and your family during this time of recovery. If we do not win your case, you will not pay any fees; this is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an injury after an accident while skiing or snowboarding in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our Aurora ski accident lawyers.

Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.