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Injuries on the slopes on the increase

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As the winter sports season gets underway MyClaim urges winter holiday makers to take extra care on the slopes.

It is estimated that nearly 3 million British citizens will take to the slopes this season representing a 50% increase on last year.  With the increasing popularity of winter sports it is therefore of no surprise that the number of accidents occurring on the slopes is also on the increase.

Whilst there is no doubt that winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports and carry with them a higher risk of injury; for this reason it is even more important that participants in winter sports conduct themselves safely on the slopes; so as to avoid injury to themselves and others.  Despite the risks involved in winter sports this does not preclude participants from bringing claims for compensation against others where there is negligence involved.

The 10 Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) rules govern conduct on the slopes internationally, and MyClaim therefore strongly advises participants to familiarise themselves with these rules which can be found at            http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/insidefis/fisgeneralrules/10fisrules.html, before hitting the slopes.  Paramount to these rules is Rule 1 which dictates that a skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that does not endanger or prejudice others.  These rules are therefore the starting point in determining whether or not someone else is at fault for a person’s accident and injuries, suffered on the slopes.

Unfortunately, there will be many cases where these rules are not followed this season and many people will be injured as a result of another person’s negligence on the slopes.  If you are unfortunate enough to be one of these people you are likely to have a claim for personal injury.  MyClaim therefore strongly urges all of those taking to the slopes to make sure that they have insurance in place including health insurance and public liability insurance.  It is concerning that 12% of those taking part in winter sports do not even have health insurance.

Of course it is not just individuals that owe a duty of care to each other on the slopes, there are various parties that must ensure the safety of participants from resort owners to equipment manufacturers. It is imperative that high levels of safety are maintained as accidents on the slopes are often serious if not fatal.

Regardless of the fact most British holiday makers suffering winter sports  injuries will suffer them abroad many of the claims can still be pursued in the UK.  Whether this is possible is dependent on a number of factors including who the holiday was booked with, how it was booked and where the person or body responsible for the accident is based.  However, in some cases it is advisable for the claim to be brought in another jurisdiction.

MyClaim would advise those involved in accidents on the slopes to seek legal advice from a Solicitor straightway as each jurisdiction has its own laws and regulations, and the limitation periods for bringing claims vary between countries.

If you or someone you know has been injured on the slopes, MyClaim can help.   MyClaim guarantees that your claim will be handled by a firm of solicitors with many years of specialist knowledge and experience in dealing with the increased complications accidents abroad bring.  Importantly MyClaim can offer legal representation on a “No Win No Fee” basis, and guarantees that the injured party will receive 100% of their compensation.