White Plains Ski Accident Lawyers

Skiing and snowboarding provide thrilling outdoor experiences, but they also come with significant risks. Whether you are an experienced skier or a beginner hitting the slopes for the first time, accidents can happen due to negligence, poorly maintained ski resort conditions, or reckless behavior by other skiers. Our White Plains ski accident lawyers are here to provide the legal support you need.

At Marvin A. Cooper, P.C., we specialize in representing individuals injured in skiing and snowboarding accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence of another skier, faulty equipment, or unsafe ski resort conditions, we are here to help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

 

Why Choose Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. for Your Ski Accident Case?

Decades of Personal Injury Experience
With over 60 years of experience handling personal injury claims, Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. has successfully represented clients injured in recreational activities, including skiing and snowboarding. Our legal team understands the complexities of ski accident cases and will work diligently to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Proven Track Record of Success
Our firm has helped countless accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. We take a strategic approach to every case, gathering strong evidence and negotiating aggressively to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

Personalized Legal Representation
At Marvin A. Cooper, P.C., we treat every client as an individual, not just another case number. We take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and provide clear legal guidance throughout the claims process. You will work directly with our experienced White Plains ski accident lawyers who will keep you informed every step of the way.

No Upfront Fees – You Pay Only If We Win
We believe that injury victims should have access to high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

 

Types of Ski Accidents We Handle

Ski accidents can occur for various reasons, and determining liability can be challenging. Our legal team has extensive experience handling cases involving:

Skiing and Snowboarding Collisions
Collisions between skiers and snowboarders are among the most common causes of injury on the slopes. If another skier was reckless, skiing out of control, or failed to follow safety rules, they may be held liable for the accident.

Ski Lift and Gondola Accidents
Ski lift malfunctions, sudden stops, and improper maintenance can cause severe injuries. Falls from chairlifts, gondola accidents, and mechanical failures can result in serious injuries, and in many cases, ski resorts or lift operators may be held accountable.

Hazardous Ski Resort Conditions
Ski resorts have a duty of care to maintain safe skiing conditions. If a resort fails to properly maintain trails, provide adequate signage, or address dangerous obstacles, injured skiers may have grounds for a claim against the resort.

Avalanche and Off-Piste Skiing Accidents
While skiing off-piste or in backcountry areas carries inherent risks, ski resorts and guided tour operators must still take precautions to warn skiers of avalanche dangers and potential hazards. If a resort or tour guide was negligent in managing avalanche risks, they may be held responsible.

Ski Equipment Failure and Defective Gear
Ski and snowboard injuries can occur due to faulty equipment, including defective ski bindings, broken helmets, and improperly maintained rental gear. In such cases, we may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or the rental company.

Negligence by Ski Instructors or Tour Guides
Ski instructors and tour guides have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their students. If they fail to provide proper training or take inexperienced skiers into dangerous conditions, they may be held liable for injuries.

 

Common Injuries from Skiing and Snowboarding Accidents

Skiing accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head Injuries and Concussions
Falls, collisions, and ski lift accidents can lead to serious head trauma, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While helmets provide protection, they do not completely eliminate the risk of head injuries.

Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are one of the most frequent skiing injuries, often caused by sudden twists, falls, or ski binding failures. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Severe falls or crashes can result in spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or long-term nerve damage, significantly impacting a skier’s quality of life.

Fractures and Broken Bones
High-impact crashes with trees, barriers, or other skiers often lead to broken wrists, arms, legs, and collarbones. Recovery from fractures can be lengthy and may require surgery or physical therapy.

Shoulder Dislocations
Skiers who fall awkwardly or attempt to break a fall with their arms can suffer shoulder dislocations, torn rotator cuffs, and severe muscle strains.

 

Determining Liability in Ski Accidents

Liability in ski accidents depends on the circumstances of the accident. Responsible parties may include:

• Another skier or snowboarder who was skiing recklessly and caused a collision.
• Ski resorts or operators if unsafe conditions contributed to the accident.
• Ski lift operators if improper maintenance or negligence led to an injury.
• Equipment manufacturers if defective ski gear or bindings caused the accident.
• Ski instructors or tour guides who failed to take necessary precautions.

 

How to File a Ski Accident Injury Claim

Filing a ski accident claim involves several critical steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve:

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, injuries such as concussions and internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor will also provide medical documentation that can be used as evidence in your claim.

Step 2: Report the Incident to Ski Patrol and Resort Management

Notify ski patrol or the resort operator about the accident and request an official incident report. This document may help establish the resort’s liability if they were at fault.

Step 3: Gather Evidence
If possible, collect evidence from the accident scene, including:

• Photos and videos of hazardous conditions
• Witness statements and contact information
• A copy of the ski resort’s incident report

Step 4: Preserve Equipment and Clothing
If defective ski gear or rental equipment contributed to your accident, keep the items in their post-accident condition. This can serve as crucial evidence in a product liability case.

Step 5: Consult an Experienced Ski Accident Lawyer
Ski accident cases can be complex, especially when dealing with resort liability waivers and multiple potentially liable parties. Our experienced White Plains ski accident lawyers can:

• Evaluate your case
• Determine who is responsible
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a lawsuit if necessary

 

Seeking Compensation for a Ski Accident

Ski accidents can lead to financial burdens due to medical expenses and lost income. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills, including hospital visits, surgeries, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages if injuries prevent returning to work.
• Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma.
• Rehabilitation costs for long-term recovery.
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was fatally injured in a ski accident.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ski Accident Claims

Can I sue a ski resort if I get injured on their property?
Yes, you may be able to sue a ski resort if your injury resulted from negligence on their part. Resorts are responsible for maintaining safe slopes, properly marking hazards, and ensuring that ski lifts and equipment are in working order. If they failed to do so and this led to your accident, you could have grounds for a personal injury claim. However, ski resorts often require visitors to sign liability waivers, which may limit their responsibility. An experienced attorney can review the details of your case to determine if the waiver can be challenged.

Are ski resorts automatically liable for injuries that occur on their premises?
No, ski resorts are not automatically liable for every injury that happens on their property. Skiing and snowboarding are inherently risky activities, and participants assume some level of personal responsibility. However, if a resort is negligent in maintaining safe conditions, operating ski lifts, or providing necessary warnings about hazardous areas, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

What if another skier caused my accident?
If another skier or snowboarder caused your injury by skiing recklessly, failing to yield, or ignoring slope etiquette, you may be able to file a claim against them. Liability in skier-to-skier collisions is often based on negligence, and the skier who was acting carelessly may be held responsible for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the at-fault skier has insurance, a claim can be made against their policy. If they are uninsured, pursuing legal action may be necessary.

Do ski helmets prevent serious injuries?
Ski helmets significantly reduce the risk of severe head trauma, but they do not completely prevent all injuries. Helmets can absorb the impact of a collision or fall, lowering the chances of a traumatic brain injury. However, high-speed crashes, collisions with objects, or multiple impacts can still cause concussions or other head injuries even when wearing a helmet. Proper fit and quality of the helmet also play a crucial role in its effectiveness.

How long do I have to file a ski accident claim in New York?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. If the claim involves a wrongful death, the time limit may be shorter. However, cases involving ski resorts or public entities may have additional legal complexities and shorter filing deadlines. It is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and that you do not miss the deadline to pursue compensation.

 

Contact Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. Today

If you have been injured in a ski or snowboarding accident due to someone else’s negligence, Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. is ready to fight for your rights. Our legal team has the experience and resources needed to handle complex ski injury cases and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

We are committed to helping you recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Let our White Plains ski accident lawyers handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.