Injured on the Slopes? Speak With a New York Ski Accident Attorney

Every winter, New Yorkers and tourists flock to the slopes to carve fresh powder and experience the thrill of cold-weather sports. But while skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating, they’re not without risk. When safety is overlooked by another skier, an instructor, or even the resort itself, those risks turn into real injuries and real losses. And too often, the people who are hurt are left footing the bill for someone else’s carelessness.

If you’ve been injured in a ski or snowboard accident in New York, you may have legal options. Whether it happened at Hunter Mountain, Whiteface, Windham, or another resort, the aftermath of a serious ski accident can be overwhelming. Understanding your rights and how to protect them starts with knowing who’s responsible and how the law applies.

When a Ski Accident Isn’t Just an Accident

Not every injury on the slopes is someone’s fault. Skiers and snowboarders accept certain inherent risks, and many accidents are simply a matter of bad luck. However, when negligence is involved, those responsible should be held accountable.

Under New York’s General Obligations Law (Article 18), also known as the Safety in Skiing Code, ski areas must maintain safe conditions and ensure patrons are properly informed. This includes duties like:

• Marking manmade obstacles and closed trails
• Posting difficulty ratings near lifts
• Conducting daily inspections of open slopes
• Maintaining and labeling maintenance vehicles
• Providing proper signage and employee safety training
• At the same time, skiers also have legal responsibilities. They’re expected to:
• Stay within marked boundaries
• Avoid reckless behavior or skiing beyond their ability
• Heed signage and instructions
• Remain at the scene after any accident involving injury

When a resort cuts corners or another guest behaves recklessly and someone gets hurt, that’s when a ski accident becomes a legal issue.

Common Ski Accident Injuries in New York

Skiing and snowboarding injuries can range from mild to life-altering. The type and severity of an injury often depend on the activity, the terrain, and whether safety equipment was used. Some of the most common injuries we see in New York ski accident cases include:

• Knee ligament tears (ACL, MCL)
• Shoulder dislocations or fractures
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Skier’s thumb and wrist fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken legs, ankles, and collarbones
• Lacerations from equipment or collisions

In accidents involving ski lifts, serious falls and crush injuries are possible. In cases involving defective equipment, such as faulty bindings or helmets, additional product liability issues may also be present.

Who’s Liable for a Skiing Injury?

Liability in a ski accident can be complex. The responsible party might be:

• A ski resort that failed to maintain trails, mark hazards, or provide adequate supervision
• A reckless skier or snowboarder who collided with you or ignored the rules
• An equipment rental shop that provided faulty or unsafe gear
• A ski instructor or lesson provider who gave improper direction or failed to supervise

New York also follows a comparative negligence rule. That means even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation could be reduced proportionally. This is one of many reasons why hiring an experienced attorney is essential after a ski accident.

What to Do After a Ski Accident

The moments after a crash or collision can be chaotic, but the steps you take immediately after the incident can have a major impact on your legal case.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask serious damage.
• Report the incident to ski patrol or resort staff right away.
• Take photos of the scene, any equipment involved, and your injuries.
• Obtain contact information for any witnesses or individuals involved in the crash.
• Avoid making statements about fault or signing any documents without legal advice.

If possible, preserve any damaged equipment or clothing, as it may be important evidence. Your lawyer can help request surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and injury reports from the resort as part of your case.

Filing a Ski Accident Lawsuit in New York

There’s a limited window of time to file a personal injury claim in New York. Timelines vary based on the type of accident as well as where the accident occurred, particularly if the claim involves a public resort or a minor child.

Your attorney will also evaluate:

• Who had the duty of care, and whether it was breached
• How comparative fault may impact your case
• Whether a signed liability waiver is enforceable

Contrary to popular belief, waivers don’t give resorts a free pass. Courts may refuse to enforce them if the injury involved gross negligence or if the language was overly broad or unclear.

Types of Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Ski accident lawsuits aren’t just about getting medical bills covered. A successful claim can help recover:

• Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
• Lost income from missed work
• Reduced earning capacity due to lasting injuries
• Rehabilitation and assistive equipment
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Property damage (e.g., broken equipment)
• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

Even if your injuries seem manageable at first, the long-term costs, physically, emotionally, and financially, can add up. A seasoned attorney can help calculate the full scope of your losses, ensuring you’re not left to cover them alone.

Unique Challenges for Out-of-State Visitors

New York’s ski resorts attract visitors from all over the country. If you were injured while vacationing here, you may still have the right to file a lawsuit in New York, even if you live elsewhere. These cases can be especially complicated, but Morgan & Morgan has experience handling claims for injured tourists and out-of-state clients.

We can coordinate medical records, legal filings, and court appearances to ensure your case progresses, even if you’re recovering at home.

Can a Child Sue for a Ski Accident Injury?

Yes. Minors injured at ski resorts may be entitled to compensation, but the statute of limitations may be different. If your child was hurt due to a resort’s negligence or during a ski lesson, contact a lawyer right away to protect their rights.

Why Legal Experience Matters in Ski Accident Cases

Ski accident law is a niche area, and not every personal injury lawyer possesses the necessary skill set to handle these claims. Between state ski codes, waiver enforcement issues, and the complexities of shared fault, these cases require a detailed and strategic approach.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have attorneys who understand how to investigate slope conditions, preserve resort surveillance, and challenge corporate tactics designed to minimize liability. We’re not intimidated by large resorts or insurance companies, and we never settle for less than what you deserve.

Contact a New York Ski Accident Lawyer

Whether your accident happened on a black diamond run or during a beginner lesson, you have rights, and you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. If you believe someone else’s negligence contributed to your injuries, don’t wait for the resort to do the right thing. Take the first step toward recovery today.

Morgan & Morgan offers free, no-obligation case evaluations, and you don’t pay unless we win.