What is the Assumption of Risk for Skiers and Snowboarders in Colorado?

What is the Assumption of Risk for Skiers and Snowboarders in Colorado?

What is the Assumption of Risk for Skiers and Snowboarders in Colorado?

Despite being exciting and popular winter pastimes, skiing and snowboarding have inherent risks and dangers. Skiers and snowboarders assume these risks when they decide to make the journey up the slope. In other words, ski operators are protected from liability in the event of an accident because many ski and snowboarding accidents are outside of their control. 

If you have been injured in a skiing or snowboarding accident in Colorado, having an experienced attorney on your side is essential. At Mintz Law Firm, our attorneys understand the ins and outs of Colorado’s Ski Safety Act and can advise you on how it impacts your case. Our founder, David J. Mintz, has over 35 years of experience protecting accident victims’ rights and recovering the compensation they deserve. When you partner with us, you can rest assured that your case is in experienced and capable hands. 

What are the Inherent Risks of Skiing and Snowboarding in Colorado?

According to Colorado’s Ski Safety Act, skiers and snowboarders assume a certain degree of risk when engaging in the sport. Both skiing and snowboarding pose inherent risks, including the following:

  • Changing weather conditions
  • Natural obstacles like rocks and trees
  • Collisions with man-made objects
  • Collisions with other skiers
  • Failure to ski within their abilities
  • Snow conditions
  • Bare spots

Before skiers and snowboarders board the lifts in Colorado, they are presented with a ticket that lists these inherent risks and explains that ski operators can not be held responsible for injuries resulting from these dangers. However, despite the causes of your accident, you may still have grounds to pursue compensation for your injuries. At Mintz Law Firm, we will investigate every detail of your case to determine who is at fault as we seek justice on your behalf. 

When Can I Hold a Ski Operator Accountable for My Injuries?

While ski operators cannot be held liable for any accidents caused by the inherent dangers of skiing, they may be responsible for an accident if their negligence is a contributing factor. Ski operators in Colorado are legally required to fulfill the following responsibilities to prevent injuries:

  • Post appropriate signage to indicate dangers, boundaries, entrances, and exits
  • Inspect ski lifts daily before opening
  • Print clear warnings of the inherent risks of skiing on every lift ticket
  • Use working headlights when operating a snowmobile or snow maintenance vehicle

If the ski operator fails to perform their duties, you may be able to seek damages from them through a ski accident claim. Some damages our attorneys may be able to help you recover include the following:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment in life
  • Lost wages and earning potential
  • Significant scarring or disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death

Our attorneys will review every detail of your case to determine who can be held liable as well as which damages you may be entitled to recover. 

Discuss Your Case with a Highly-Qualified Ski Accident Attorney at Mintz Law

Determining who should be held liable for your ski accident can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are contending with severe injuries. If you have been injured in a ski accident in Colorado, the experienced attorneys at Mintz Law Firm may be able to help. Our attorneys specialize in ski accidents and have helped numerous local and visiting accident victims pursue justice for their injuries. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our talented legal team, call us today at (303) 462-2999 or complete our online contact form.

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