Lakewood Snowboard Accident Lawyer

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand how devastating a snowboarding accident can be, especially in Colorado's bustling ski and snowboard regions. With decades of experience advocating for injured clients, we know how to navigate the complexities of these cases, from assessing liability to securing fair compensation. Our commitment to personalized service means we take the time to understand your unique circumstances and fight for the justice you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable In a Snowboard Accident in Lakewood, CO?

There are three main parties that can be held accountable for a snowboarding accident: another person, the ski resort, or a manufacturer. Colorado law requires ski resorts to keep a safe, well-maintained property to prevent injury to visitors. Failing to meet this duty can potentially make them liable for injuries you suffer due to their negligence. In some cases, another party, including the snowboard manufacturer, can also be held liable for a snowboarding accident if faulty equipment causes the accident. 

In order to prove liability in a Lakewood, CO, snowboard accident, four factors must be addressed: 

• Duty of care: While snowboarding, you are required to follow all regulations and stay alert to prevent any foreseeable injuries to other people using the slopes. Ski resorts also have a duty of care to provide a safe environment, while manufacturers are required to create products that do not cause harm. 
• Breach of duty: Another term for breach of duty is negligence. When you cannot follow reasonable safety precautions, you fail to meet your duty of care and are negligent in causing harm to another person. For example, a snowboarder who fails to follow posted signs and causes a collision with another snowboarder has breached their duty of care.
• Causation: There must be a clear link between the other person's negligence and your injuries to prove causation. Because of this, it is essential you seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident to provide official documentation of your injuries.
• Damages: To seek compensation for your Lakewood snowboarding accident, you must also prove that your injuries caused financial harm to you. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and even non-tangible losses like pain and suffering. 

Proving liability in a snowboarding accident can often be complex and requires professional knowledge to ensure the party responsible is held liable for your injuries. Thankfully, you don't have to go through this process alone. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can take this added stress off of your plate so you can concentrate on recovering from your accident. 

How Does Colorado's Ski Safety Act Apply to Your Personal Injury Case?

Colorado's Ski Safety Act was enacted in 1979 to explain the legal responsibilities of skiers and ski area operators. It includes a section known as the Colorado Skier Responsibility Code to establish safety standards that all skiers and snowboarders must follow. In this act, the term skier is used to define any pedestrian using a ski slope, including snowboarders. 

Colorado's Ski Safety Act also includes a list of inherent risks that a skier assumes while engaging in their sport. This puts a large degree of responsibility on the skier, even inside the boundaries of a ski resort. These risks include: 

• Changing weather conditions
• Variable snow conditions
• Variations in terrain, including bare spots, rocks, stumps, and trees
• Collisions with natural or man-made objects
• Collisions with other skiers 
• Failing to ski within your abilities

In addition to these inherent risks, The Colorado Ski Safety Act includes ten responsibilities that skiers must follow, often called the "Your Responsibility Code." These points include:

• Always remain in control of yourself and your equipment.
• Pedestrians ahead of you have the right-of-way and should be avoided.
• Only stop where you can be seen from above, and don't block traffic flow.
• Ensure the path is clear before starting back downhill or entering a trail.
• You must prevent runaway equipment.
• You are responsible for reading and following all posted signs and hazard markers.
• Don't enter closed trails.
• You must be able to safely load and unload yourself and equipment onto the chair lift.
• Don't ski while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• If you are involved in an accident, you should share your contact information with all parties involved and ski area employees.

If you fail to follow these regulations, you can be held liable for any injuries you cause as a result of your negligence. At Mintz Law Firm, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of Colorado's Ski Safety Act to ensure you understand your rights and how the law applies to your snowboarding accident case.

Mintz Law Firm Can Help With Your Snowboard Accident Case

At Mintz Law Firm, we bring decades of experience helping clients injured in snowboarding accidents. We understand the unique challenges these cases present, from determining liability under Colorado's Ski Safety Act to building a strong claim for compensation. Whether your accident involved another skier, a ski resort, or defective equipment, we work diligently to protect your rights and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Our team takes a personalized approach, giving your case the attention it warrants and guiding you through every step of the legal process. If you or someone you know has been injured in a snowboarding accident, contact us today at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form.