A weekend of skiing in Michigan is one of the activities that makes the winter season unique. Michigan boasts many ski areas, providing enough enjoyment to last the long winter months. But with the thrill of outdoor recreational activities comes the risk of ski accidents that may result from negligence.
Not everyone observes safety protocol on the slopes, leading to the potential of life-altering personal injuries. An Okemos personal injury lawyer at White Law PLLC can help identify negligent or reckless behaviors leading to your damages. Let our experienced team sort out the details of the accident with the insurance company or take legal action while you focus on recovery.
Duties of Michigan Skiers
Everyone wants to have fun on a ski trip with family and friends. But when a good time is interrupted by negligence, some laws apply, holding individuals liable for their actions. According to Michigan Compiled Law (MCL 408.341), skiers must act within the limits of their ability while on a slope, track, or trail, never acting or skiing in a way that contributes to injuring themselves or any other person, in addition to performing these duties in a ski area:
- Stay in control of their speed and course of travel
- Respect the space around snow-grooming equipment and vehicles
- Obey posted signs and warnings
- Ski only in open ski areas
It is possible to sue someone for your injuries in a ski accident, and property damage or personal injury resulting from a ski law violation should be discussed with a Michigan ski accident lawyer. These laws also extend to snowboarders, tubers, and sledders. When an injury occurs, the responsible party must take additional steps.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Actions Michigan Skiers Must Take After a Ski Accident
Michigan laws go one step further after describing the conduct of skiers. It also requires them to be accountable for their actions. If an individual is involved in an accident that injures someone in a ski area, they are required to:
- Notify the ski patrol or operator, law enforcement, or medical emergency personnel
- Identify themselves to the responding staff or medical team
Ski injuries can produce many injuries, requiring the victim to be as still as possible until help arrives to reduce the chance of increased damages. Trauma can leave an individual unaware of their surroundings and the events that led to the accident, making them vulnerable to their injuries. Skiers must also notify the correct authorities if they cause injury to themselves and the accident creates hazardous conditions for others.
Common Injuries Resulting from a Ski Accident in Michigan
According to My Michigan Health, certain injuries are more common due to ski and snowboard accidents. Many of these accidents are the result of the amount of torsional force on particular parts of the body that result in extensive damage and the need for ongoing treatments for these injuries. Discuss these injuries and other damages with a ski or snowboard accident lawyer in Michigan at White Law PLLC:
- Knee injuries, such as damage to the ACL, meniscus, or other structures of the knee and leg area
- Ankle injury
- Head injuries, such as concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Neck, back, and spine injury
- Upper extremity injuries to the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands, particularly when trying to brace from an impact and fall
James White and the White Law PLLC team understand the devastating impact of personal injuries. While we seek the fair compensation you deserve for your damages, we offer support and demand justice for acts of negligence that cost our clients financially, physically, and emotionally.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Damages You May Receive in a Michigan Ski Accident
The damages you experience from a ski accident extend beyond physical health. Far too often, the cost of an accident overwhelms injury victims before they decide to take action. The personal injury damages may include:
- Costs associated with medical treatment, including therapies for rehabilitation
- Medication costs
- Diagnostic testing
- Lost wages, bonuses, or other potential income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
If a loved one’s death resulted from an accident, a wrongful death attorney in Michigan will compassionately offer guidance during a time of traumatic loss. Life can change instantly. Having a trusted legal navigator allows your family time to grieve while someone acts in your best interests.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit
Ski accident victims or their families must pursue legal action within three years of the accident or death of the victim. Three years may seem like a long time, but waiting to take action can result in losing valuable information supporting your claim. Taking these steps can help preserve evidence to support your case:
- Get medical help immediately if necessary or schedule an appointment with a physician as soon as possible to document potential injuries and their cause
- Obtain a report of the accident from responders at the scene
- Take photographs or have a ski partner photograph any evidence at the scene
- Photograph your injuries
- Obtain eyewitness contact information
- Keep a file of medical documents stemming from the accident and any treatment
- Maintain receipts for any expenses resulting from treatment
A ski accident attorney in Lansing can investigate the incidents of negligence involved in the accident. Having all the facts allows an attorney at White Law PLLC to present solid documentation in your personal injury claim to the insurance company and effectively negotiate for your compensation. Damages for your injuries may be pursued in court when an appropriate settlement cannot be reached through negotiation.
Your Michigan Ski Accident Injuries Matter to Us
Skiing is just one of the activities that gets individuals outside for fresh air and exercise during the winter. But when a ski accident caused by negligence brings your winter fun to an end, White Law PLLC is ready to determine and review the facts that led to your damages and take action. If you are in one of our service areas in Michigan, reach out as soon as possible to preserve the evidence in your case.
James White takes pride in providing state-of-the-art services to clients across the state to secure their information, simplify business online, and allow them time to recover without leaving home for a legal appointment. We are in the business of service, providing 24-hour availability and a consultation to help you get answers.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
