Los Angeles Ski Lift Accident Lawyer

Many people love hitting the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding. But no one wants to hit the snow-covered slope from a dangerous fall. Unfortunately, accidents can happen from a ski lit and leave passengers with devastating injuries. People can even die if there is a problem with the ski lift that causes you to plummet to the ground.

A ski accident attorney in Los Angeles can talk to you about your rights, including a claim for compensation from the responsible party. If you’d like to learn more about suing for a ski lift accident, please contact our law firm 24/7 to schedule a free case evaluation.

How Does a Ski Lift Work?

The mechanical aspects of a ski lift are unimportant to the average person. However, those who fall off a ski lift and suffer injuries need to understand what can go wrong with these transport systems. This is the key to understanding who is responsible, i.e., liable for the harm you suffered.

Most lift systems are chairlifts, meaning a chair is suspended from a cable and pulley system. Current ski lifts are powered by electric motors, but they usually have a gas generator backup in case the power fails. Other models of lifts at a ski resort include:

• Cable cars
• Funiculars
• Gondolas
• Rope tows
• Button lifts
• Drag lifts
• T-bars

Ski lifts are equipped with features to safeguard passengers, like metal bars that keep you in the chair while the lift is in motion. Most of them have stop systems for emergencies that are automatically triggered. Additionally, digital sensors can check for rope tension and other factors that must be monitored by the operator. Even with all the available safety measures in good working order, ski lift accidents can still happen. However, ski resort owners and lift operators have a duty to exercise reasonable care and do their utmost to prevent injuries to others.

Problems That can Cause a Ski Lift Accident

As we mentioned, some accidents are a matter of bad luck. But it goes without saying that the vast majority of incidents where people fall off ski lifts are due to negligence or misconduct. Examples of circumstances that can cause people to be injured on ski lifts include:

• Mechanical malfunctions: mechanical problems and other defects with the lift compromise its safety and increase the potential for an accident.
• Ski lift operator error: in many accidents, there were signs that were missed or ignored by the ski lift operator. Some of them also fail to use safe techniques in helping passengers get on and off the lift.
• Weather conditions: high winds and other issues with the weather can make it dangerous to be a ski lift. Ski resorts can’t control the weather, but they can stay on top of dangerous conditions and close the lift as needed.
• Fault by the passenger: skiers must act responsibly while they are on a lift. Passengers may be at fault for the accident if they are bouncing around on the lift, horse playing, etc.

Who is Liable for a Ski Lift Accident?

The cause of the accident will determine the party you need to sue after being injured on a ski lift. For example, there may have been defects with the cable that caused the chair to detach from the lift. In cases where lack of maintenance leads to an accident, the business owner may be liable for the victim’s injuries.

Tragic accidents involving ski lifts can also happen if there is a defect that occurred during the design and manufacturing process. There are many things that can go wrong and make the lift unsafe, and those who are injured may have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit.

Aside from a failure to maintain and repair equipment, ski resort companies can be sued for negligent hiring and training practices. So, even if the accident was caused by an employee, there may have been negligence by the business owner, like not providing adequate training and supervision. Or, they may have allowed the lift to be operational in spite of dangerous terrain and weather conditions, which also puts people at risk.

Even with maintenance issues, we have to look at other parties that may be to blame. The business may have a service that’s hired to inspect and make repairs as needed. This company may have failed to do their job, so that’s another that may be responsible for a ski lift accident.

What to Do after a Ski Accident

Medical attention is the most important step if you suffered injuries because of a ski lift. These accidents are associated with severe, disabling injuries and even death. To protect your health and establish medical records for an accident claim, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

If it’s possible, use your phone or another device to take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the lift and weather / terrain issues that may have played a role in the accident.

Also, try to obtain contact information from witnesses. Later on, your attorney can contact them and ask for statements and information that will paint a clear picture of the accident and why you were injured.

Legal representation is not required, but we strongly recommend that you speak with a California ski lift accident attorney as soon as possible. The legal team of Kenmore Law Group is here to answer all your questions and fight for the compensation you deserve by law.

Lawyers Representing Ski Accident Victims

Injury victims are in a vulnerable state, and this is fact that insurance companies use to their advantage. For one thing, many of them will try to insist that the waiver you signed frees them of any responsibility for the accident, but there is no excuse for negligence that leads to bodily harm or death. You have a right to seek financial restitution, and the lawyers of Kenmore are with you every step of the way.

As you struggle to recover after an accident, we will take your case for $0 upfront. Rather than charging you a retainer, we believe that we should only get paid by winning your case. If we do not secure a settlement on your behalf from a ski lift injury claim, there is a Zero Fee Guarantee that lets you off the hook for any legal fees.

To receive a private consultation, free of charge, please get in touch with us online or call our toll free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.