When skiing, you naturally accept that there is some risk involved in the activity. However, you should never experience harm due to the failure of the organisation in charge to implement health and safety legislation. Unfortunately, this can happen, leaving people with serious injuries that could have been avoided. Common injuries include fractures, sprains, strains and lacerations. After such incidents, it can be difficult to figure out your legal rights. Those affected under such circumstances can make skiing accident claims, giving them the chance to recover their financial losses and prioritise recovery.
It is important to note that you can make a personal injury claim as a visitor or an employee of a ski centre. Such cases can also be made in relation to skiing activities abroad that were booked through a holiday package provider. The party you make your claim against will depend on the nature of the incident.
Regardless of who is liable for your accident, you can reach out to our advisors today to confirm whether you have valid grounds to make a claim for personal injury compensation. This is also a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your case and find out what factors are likely to impact your compensation total. Our advisors will help you no strings attached, so you don’t have to worry if you need more time to make your decision.
- Call 0800 073 8801
- Submit an online claim form
- Use the pop-up feature in the corn to chat live with an advisor
4.8Jump To A Section
- What Are Skiing Accident Claims?
- Can You Claim For A Skiing Accident Abroad?
- Can I Claim Compensation If Injured Whilst Skiing?
- Skiing Accident Claim Examples
- What Injuries Might Be Sustained After A Skiing Accident?
- How Much Ski Accident Compensation Can I Claim?
- Can Skiing Accident Claims Cover Financial Losses?
- What Is Needed When Claiming For Ski Injuries?
- Bringing A Ski Injury Compensation Claim With Our Solicitors
- Learn More
What Are Skiing Accident Claims?
Skiing accident claims are a form of personal injury claim that allows individuals to seek compensation for the harm they suffered due to the negligent actions of a third party, such as the operator of a ski centre. These claims can be pursued by employees of skiing facilities, holidaymakers, and recreational skiers.
In certain circumstances, it may also be possible to seek compensation if the accident occurred abroad. Read this section to learn more about the different types of skiing injury claims.
Indoor Ski Centre Accident Claims
Skiing accident claims can also be filed by individuals who are injured due to the negligent actions of an indoor ski centre operator. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, the party in charge of the facility must take practical steps to ensure the reasonable safety of visitors. This includes displaying clear signage, ensuring ski equipment is properly maintained, and regularly inspecting slopes for hazards.
Claiming For Workplace Skiing Injuries
Employees of skiing facilities, including instructors and technicians, are protected by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This legislation requires employers to take reasonable steps to ensure the wellbeing and safety of staff. For instance, your employer should provide you with appropriate cold-weather gear, the right equipment for your role, and necessary safety training. If they fail to do so, resulting in a workplace skiing injury, you may have grounds to claim compensation.
You can learn more about the different situations in which a personal injury claim may apply by contacting one of our advisors. They can further explain what options are available to you and who you might make your claim against.
Can You Claim For A Skiing Accident Abroad?
You may be able to claim for a skiing accident abroad if the injuries you suffered in the incident were caused by the negligent actions of a third party, such as a UK-based tour operator. This is because they have legal obligations set out under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 to ensure all elements of a package holiday meet reasonable standards of safety and care. In the context of skiing holidays, this responsibility might extend to lessons and equipment hire.
Navigating the claims process for overseas skiing accidents can seem daunting. So, for clarity about whether you can seek compensation in your specific circumstances, please reach out today.
Can I Claim Compensation If Injured Whilst Skiing?
Yes, you can claim compensation if you are injured whilst skiing as a result of another party’s failure to protect your health and safety. This is known as negligence and requires that a set of defined criteria be met for all skiing accident claims:
- A duty of care was owed to you: This means that a third party, such as an indoor skiing centre operator, had a legal responsibility to uphold health and safety legislation. This can involve properly maintaining ski equipment, providing appropriate employee training, and keeping the slopes free of avoidable hazards.
- The duty was not met: In order to claim, you must prove how exactly another party failed to meet their legal responsibilities. This is referred to as a breach of duty, which can occur due to negligent ski instruction, inadequate maintenance, or the provision of defective equipment (such as bindings).
- This caused you harm: You can only claim if the breach caused you some degree of injury. Skiing accidents commonly result in broken bones and soft tissue damage, but you can seek compensation for any physical or psychological harm you experience.
Can Skiing Accident Claims Be Made On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Yes, skiing accident claims can be made on behalf of a loved one who is either under 18 or lacking in mental capacity, as neither of these groups has the decision-making power to seek compensation by themselves.
When handling the claim for someone else, you will act as a litigation friend. It will be your responsibility to make legal decisions and maintain communication with the solicitor who is working on the case.
Fatal Skiing Injury Compensation
You can also seek skiing accident compensation for a loved one who has died. During the first 6 months of their death, only the estate of the deceased can make a fatal injury claim. Should this period pass without a claim being filed, qualifying relatives can seek compensation for the impact of losing a loved one. However, this is only possible if the estate has not already claimed on their behalf.
Figuring out whether you can claim skiing accident compensation can be a challenge, so why not speak to an advisor to get direct confirmation of your eligibility? They offer free case assessments, with the option to hire one of our expert solicitors if you decide to proceed with a claim.
Skiing Accident Claim Examples
Examples of skiing accident claims often involve improper instruction, faulty equipment, or a lack of health and safety training. You could claim compensation for the following incidents:
- While on a package holiday, you are provided with hire skis that have previously been reported to the tour operator as faulty. As you descend down a slope, you fall heavily when one of the skis suddenly breaks. This causes a sprained ankle and a fracture to your forearm, which occurs when you attempt to break your fall.
- At the skiing facility, where you work, you are instructed to move a heavy box of equipment without being given any manual handling training. This results in you using an improper lifting technique, causing you to injure your back.
- You visit an indoor ski centre and slip on a section of wet floor in the changing area, where no warning signs are present to alert you to the hazard. Due to the fall, you suffer a concussion and permanent facial scarring.
- Management at an indoor facility allows too many people to access the slopes, leading to serious overcrowding. You are told to use the slope at an unsafe time, leading to a collision with another visitor and a fractured leg.
There are many other scenarios that can give rise to skiing accident claims, so your situation may not have been covered. Fortunately, you can speak to one of our advisors anytime to discuss your specific experience.
What Injuries Might Be Sustained After A Skiing Accident?
Fractures, soft tissue damage, and concussions are some of the most common injuries that might be sustained after a skiing accident. Individuals may also experience:
- Ligament tears often impacting the knees
- Hand injuries, including ligament damage (referred to as ‘Skier’s thumb’)
- Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
- Damage to the internal organs, such as the kidneys, heart and lungs, from blunt-force trauma
- Lacerations and friction burns
- Nerve damage
- Psychological harm, encompassing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression
Of course, skiing injuries differ, and no two claimants will have experienced the exact same type of harm. Speak with our advisors today to learn more about skiing accident claims and how injuries are assessed.
How Much Ski Accident Compensation Can I Claim?
How much ski accident compensation you could receive will depend on the unique physical, mental and financial consequences of the injuries you suffered. The first aspect of the compensation to consider is called general damages. This head of claim covers the suffering and pain associated with your skiing injuries.
In cases where skiing accidents result in serious injury, such as spinal trauma and brain damage, compensation can account for how various areas of your life have been affected. For example, you may no longer be able to ski or participate in other winter sports that you used to enjoy. Another factor which may be considered is relationships with family and friends, as these may be strained because of your physical or psychological injuries.
When assessing general damages, legal professionals can look at the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This document is a set of compensation guideline brackets that are paired with different types and severities of injury.
We have included a table of JCG figures below. When reading these, it is important not to view them as a guarantee of your compensation. That’s because all skiing accident claims are individually assessed based on the experience of each claimant. This means that the guideline figures cannot predict the specific factors of your case.
| Type and Severity of Injury | Compensation Guideline Bracket | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple very severe injuries with financial losses | Up to £1,000,000+ | Multiple forms of very severe harm resulting in various financial losses, like medical expenses, travel costs and payments for professional care |
| Brain- very severe | £344,150 to £493,000 | There will be a lack of meaningful response to the environment, double incontinence, limited language capabilities and the requirement for full-time nursing care |
| Neck- severe (i) | In the region of £181,020 | Even when the claimant wears a collar all hours of the day for multiple years, there will still be limited or no neck movement with severe headaches |
| Arm- severe | £117,360 to £159,770 | Such injuries do not require amputation but leave the claimant little better off than if the arm had been removed |
| Leg- severe (ii) very serious | £66,920 to £109,290 | The injury will result in the need for mobility aids, such as crutches, for the rest of the person's life. |
| Loss of one kidney | £37,550 to £54,760 | There will be no damage to the remaining kidney |
| Back- moderate (i) | £33,880 to £47,320 | Various injuries come under this bracket, including damage to an invertebral disc with irritation to the nerve root that causes reduced mobility |
| Wrist- permanent and significant disability | £29,900 to £47,810 | Some useful movement will remain |
| Shoulder- serious | £15,580 to £23,430 | Shoulder dislocation with damage to the lower brachial plexus that causes pain in the neck and shoulder |
If you are interested in a more tailored discussion about skiing accident compensation, you may contact one of our advisors. This gives you the chance to discuss your case in detail and get a better idea of how your compensation could be calculated.
4.8Can Skiing Accident Claims Cover Financial Losses?
Yes, skiing accident claims can cover financial losses if these directly result from an injury. This is covered under a part of the compensation called special damages. In order to claim these, you will need evidence of your losses, such as payslips, bank statements and receipts.
Lost Earnings
After a skiing accident, you may find that you need to take time off work in order to recover. This can cause immense financial stress as most people rely on their wages to pay their bills. Fortunately, you may be able to recover the lost income as part of your settlement.
If your injuries have long-term effects, it is also possible to get compensation for the ways in which your employment may be affected in future. For instance, you may have to reduce working hours or no longer be able to continue working as a skiing instructor or in another physically demanding role.
Cost Of Care
Some claimants need to pay out of pocket for professional care. You may need assistance with certain daily activities, such as getting dressed and preparing food. Compensation can cover current and future care costs.
Medical Expenses
You may seek out private medical care to treat your skiing injuries, especially if you urgently require orthopaedic surgery. Prescription costs can also add up over time. Your compensation can make it easier to access the treatment you need in the short and long term.
Rehabilitation
Even when treatment has been successful, you may incur further rehabilitation costs in order to improve your physical and mental health. Many skiing accidents lead to high-impact trauma, meaning that physiotherapy is often necessary to regain strength and improve mobility.
Home Adaptations
To move around your home and complete daily activities, you may need to adapt your living space. Common home adjustments to support the independence of individuals with skiing injuries include installing a wetroom, a stairlift, and handrails to aid mobility.
Car Adaptations
If your skiing accident has left you with a permanent or long-term disability, it may also become essential to have an adapted vehicle. You may require steering aids, electronic accelerators, swivel seats, electronic hoists or other adaptations depending on the nature of your injuries.
Travel Expenses
When attending medical appointments following a skiing accident, travel expenses can add up quickly. You may even need to visit a specialist care centre far from your home. Whether you have paid for fuel, public transport or taxi costs, you can collect receipts to add these costs to your skiing injury compensation claim.
Miscellaneous Costs
As skiing injuries are so varied in nature, there are countless other costs that you may have incurred. You may need assistive technology to take part in day-to-day activities, or have had to replace or repair expensive ski equipment.
At this point, you are likely thinking about your own costs and how skiing accident compensation can improve your financial situation. Get in touch with an advisor today to discuss special damages and see what you may be able to recover as part of a compensation payout.
What Is Needed When Claiming For Ski Injuries?
Evidence is one of the most important elements needed when claiming for ski injuries, as CCTV footage, incident reports, equipment hire logs, and other documentation can show exactly how another party was responsible. Below, we outline what evidence might be needed and the steps you can take to strengthen your legal position.
Prioritise Getting Medical Treatment
It is important that you put your health first after any skiing accident. These incidents can lead to serious trauma and long-lasting disability, so you should always get the necessary care to support your recovery.
If you later qualify to make a skiing accident claim, you can use your medical records as part of the evidence for your case. Having official records of the harm you have suffered and what treatment you required can be very valuable.
Start The Evidence Collection Process
It can often make things easier if you begin collecting evidence as soon as possible. Having photos of your injuries and the accident scene can provide strong visual proof for your claim.
You can also use footage from a helmet camera and check whether the ski centre you visited is covered by CCTV, as this could also offer insight into what happened.
If others witnessed the skiing incident, it is a good idea to get their contact details. Your solicitor can contact them at a later date and take down supporting witness statements. Finally, your legal representative may be able to help you obtain maintenance and lift pass records if these are relevant to your case.
Report The Skiing Incident
Whether your incident occurred at an indoor facility or an outdoor ski resort, make sure you inform the facility’s staff about what happened. They can log the incident in the accident book, a copy of which can be used as documentation to support your claim.
For an accident as an employee of a ski centre, your employer may be required to report certain incidents. You should check with your employer whether they have made a report where required, and use a copy as part of your evidence.
Manage Your Own Record Of Events
Alongside any official documentation detailing the skiing accident, it is also a good idea to keep your own notes. This will help track how your skiing injuries have affected you and provide a useful record to refer back to as the claim progresses. Things you should consider noting down include:
- Your physical injuries, pain levels, and how they progress over time
- The emotional effects and worries you have experienced
- How your usual activities have been disrupted, including hobbies like skiing
- Any medical treatment you have required
- Costs related to travel, lost income, and professional care
Speak To An Advisor
Although you can find plenty of information online, it can be overwhelming when trying to figure out whether you can make a skiing accident claim. You can get in touch with Accident Claims to discuss:
- Your accident and whether you meet the criteria to start legal proceedings
- The typical claims process for skiing accident claims and what will be expected of you
- What factors are taken into consideration when calculating skiing accident compensation
- How our solicitors help claimants at each stage of the process
- The benefits of No Win No Fee representation
Confirm The Time Limit For Your Skiing Accident Claim
When making a skiing accident claim, you will typically need to start the process within 3 years of your accident date. This is not always the case, so please read our personal injury limitation period guide to read about the various exceptions to this.
Our advisors are also available 24/7 to give you more information about time limits and the evidence you might need. They understand that these aspects of the legal process can seem daunting, so they will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Bringing A Ski Injury Compensation Claim With Our Solicitors
When it comes to pursuing a ski injury compensation claim, having the right solicitor can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome. Our solicitors offer support at each stage of the claim on a No Win No Fee basis. In this section, we further explain this fee arrangement and the work they do to assist claimants.
Why Choose Accident Claims To Claim For Ski Injury Compensation?
Our solicitors are experts in personal injury law and have a track record of success. With over £80 million in compensation awarded to our claimants so far, you can trust that they know how to expertly navigate the legal system. Their legal services include:
- Explaining how you prove your skiing accident, where to get your evidence, and taking an active role in gathering supportive documentation (such as CCTV footage or slope maintenance records)
- Organising an interim payment application (this is a payment that some claimants can receive before the claim has been completely settled)
- Arguing for the maximum skiing accident compensation that can be paid for your specific circumstances
- Managing correspondence with the other party and ensuring that all necessary information is communicated
- Arranging an independent medical assessment to document the full extent of your skiing injuries
No Win No Fee Skiing Accident Claims
Our solicitors represent claimants through No Win No Fee contracts, namely Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA). By signing this contract, you get access to expert legal representation without paying service fees at specific stages of the process:
- Before the skiing accident claim begins
- As the case progresses
- If compensation is not given to you
However, on the condition that you are compensated, you will need to pay a success fee. This is a percentage of the compensation that is owed to your solicitor. There is a legally enforced cap on this percentage, so most of the compensation will remain with you.
Contact Accident Claims
If you would like to know more about skiing accident claims, you can speak with an advisor at your earliest convenience. Although there is no pressure to make a claim, you may be given the option to work with one of our specialist solicitors on a No Win No Fee basis. With the chance to get compensation for your injuries and financial losses, why not enquire?
- Call 0800 073 8801
- Submit an online claim form
- Use the pop-up feature in the corn to chat live with an advisor
Learn More
Read some of our other guides below:
- Find out when you can make water sport claims
- Learn about swimming pool accident claims
- Visit our guide on claiming compensation for an accident in a public place
External resources:
- Learn about administering first aid
- Read the government website to confirm whether you could receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Follow government advice on preparing for winter sports abroad
Thank you for reading our guide on navigating the skiing accident claims process.