Ski & Snowboard Accident Attorney in Northern California
Ski and snowboard injury cases are legally distinct from typical personal injury claims because of the assumption of risk doctrine. Participants in snow sports accept certain inherent risks. But assumption of risk has limits, and it does not shield defendants from liability when injuries result from reckless behavior, intoxication, or unreasonably dangerous resort conditions.
Rider-on-Rider Collisions
When one skier or snowboarder collides with another, the legal standard is higher than in a typical negligence case. The injured party generally must prove that the other rider's behavior rose to the level of gross negligence or recklessness, not just ordinary carelessness. Factors like excessive speed, intoxication, jumping blind, or ignoring posted signs and closures can establish this higher standard. Witness statements and resort incident reports are critical evidence in these cases, and we work to secure them quickly before memories fade and records disappear.
Resort Negligence
Ski resorts have a duty to maintain their terrain and facilities in a reasonably safe condition. When resorts fail to properly mark hazards, maintain safe run design, pad exposed obstacles, or close dangerous terrain during adverse conditions, they can be held liable for injuries that result. Examples include unmarked ice patches, exposed rocks and tree stumps, poorly designed intersections between runs, inadequate padding on lift towers and other fixed objects, and failure to enforce closures. Resorts are also responsible for the safe operation of their lifts and other mechanical equipment. When a resort's negligence creates a hidden or unreasonably dangerous condition, assumption of risk does not apply.
Equipment Defects and Lift Incidents
Defective equipment is another category of ski and snowboard injury that falls outside assumption of risk. Binding failures that cause knee and leg injuries are among the most common. Helmet defects, boot failures, and other equipment malfunctions may give rise to product liability claims against the manufacturer. Chairlift incidents, including sudden stops, falls from lifts, and loading/unloading accidents, involve both the resort's operational negligence and potential mechanical defects. According to NSAA data, there were 49 catastrophic ski and snowboard injuries during the 2023-24 season, above the 10-year average of 41. These are not just statistics. They represent real people whose lives have been permanently changed.
What Our Clients Say
"Jordan of Maurer Law Corporation and his office staff helped us navigate an unknown situation in what turned out to be an incredible relationship. His professional demeanor infused with true empathy and kindness made a difficult time much more manageable."
Our Offices
With an office in Truckee and three more across Northern California, we are positioned to handle ski and snowboard injury cases throughout the Tahoe region and beyond.
Injured on the Mountain?
Free consultation. Assumption of risk has limits, and we know where they are.