Wyoming Ski Accident Lawyer

Wyoming has a lot for skiers to love: 12 beautiful ski areas with more than 168 miles of trails. Skiing is a great way to spend a winter day, and brings important revenue to small businesses throughout the state. However, even the most avid and careful skiers know that it can be a dangerous sport. The many regulations that ski area operators must follow can’t prevent every accident, especially accidents caused by the reckless behavior of others. In addition, ski accidents can be devastating to one’s health and well-being, and even life.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a Wyoming ski accident, Shafner Law is here for you. Call us today at (307) 277-6956 for a free consultation.

Ski accidents in Wyoming are governed by the Ski Safety Act, WY 1 1 123.1 – 1 1 123.5. The law’s goal is to promote safety, skier and resort accountability, and to protect ski areas from being sued for risks inherent in the sport. Under Wyoming ski accident law, anyone whose negligence or negligent actions cause injury or property damage to someone skiing or snowboarding can be held accountable. Punitive damages can also be awarded if malicious actions were at play. Additionally, according to the Wyoming Constitution, there is no limit on damage awards for ski injuries.

Skiing does come with risks, and Wyoming law dictates that all skiers and snowboarders are informed of those risks and ski or snowboard accordingly. This is primarily accomplished by signage that ski area operators are required to post. Wyoming law also assumes every skier is aware of the risks associated with skiing. However, Wyoming ski resorts do not have legal immunity, and they can be held responsible for negligence that leads to injuries.

In most skiing collisions, the uphill skier is typically held responsible because they are assumed to have had the best opportunity to avoid a collision. However, we at Shafner Law understand that every accident is unique, and what happens most of the time isn’t what happens all of the time. Whatever your situation, please feel welcome to call us for a free consultation.

Skiing injuries come in many shapes and sizes. They can include, but are not limited to:

• Spinal cord injury
• Sprained joints
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Fractures
• Bruises and lesions
• Dislocations
• Torn ligaments, such as ACL and MCL

Seemingly minor injuries can get worse with time if they are left untreated. If you have been in a ski accident, schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Even if it turns out that everything is fine, it’s important to get checked out. Catching injuries early can prevent them from developing into something worse.

Ski accidents can also result in death. If you have lost a loved one in a ski accident, it is possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We here at Shafner Law understand how much it hurts to lose someone due to a tragic accident, and we are here to help make things right.

There are many damages that can be awarded for ski accidents. Some, but not all, include:

• Loss of earnings
• Lost employee benefits
• Loss of future earnings
• Household expenses
• Medical expenses
• Home and vehicle modification to accommodate for a disability
• Pain and suffering
• Physical impairment
• Emotional stress
• Loss of ability to work
• Loss of companionship

There is no upper cap on ski injury damage awards as per the Wyoming Constitution. This includes punitive damages.

Don’t wait, either: the statute of limitation on ski accidents is four years from the date of the injury or property damage.

We handle all our cases with compassion and diligence so that you can focus on your recovery. We are prepared to handle everything from a settlement to presenting your case in front of a jury. Call us today at (307) 277-6956 for your free consultation.

“Thank you so much for being so thoughtful and helpful with my family. We are so happy to have found you and your team.”

-Joanne