Spending a weekend on the slopes can make for a great vacation, but just like any other recreational activity, it presents a risk of injury. An estimated 600,000 people are injured every year in skiing and snowboarding accidents, and far too many of these are caused by negligent or reckless people who fail to yield [LINK TO PAGE]. Regardless of the cause, some of the most common injuries that occur on downhill ski slopes include:
- Torn or Sprained Knee Ligaments: These types of injuries are by far the most common, and make up an estimated 1/3 of all skiing or snowboarding-related injuries. Most of these injuries involve either spraining or tearing the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) or Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
- Broken Ankles: This type of injury most commonly affects snowboarders. The talus bone, located between the heel bone and leg bones, can break, causing severe and constant pain. Also known as Snowboarder’s Ankle, this type of injury may not always be picked up on x-rays and will require additional tests to confirm.
- Torn or Sprained Thumbs: About 10 percent of injuries to skiers affect their thumbs. When a skier falls while still holding their pole, it can catch on the snow and push into the inside of the thumb and cause it to overextend and potentially tear or sprain, an injury also known as Skier’s Thumb.
- Broken Wrists: Falling skiers and snowboarders, especially beginners, often reach out their arms to break their falls. While an instinctual reaction, it can be incredibly dangerous, especially when they are traveling at higher speeds. This type of injury mostly affects snowboarders, and an estimated 100,000 people suffer broken wrists every year across the globe.
- Spine and Head Injuries: It’s easy to hit high speeds while travelling down the mountain, and running into anything, including chair lifts, rocks, trees, other skiiers and snowboarders, etc. can lead to a serious head or spinal injury.
If you were seriously injured by a negligent skier or snowboarder who collided with you, you may be able to file a lawsuit to fight for the compensation you need to move on with your life. Our Montana accident lawyers have vast experience handling cases involving collisions on ski hills, and will work with you to ensure that you receive the legal outcome you deserve. Give us a call at (406) 233-1302 to speak with one of our attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC today, or set up a free case consultation by filling out our online form.