Winter sports play a significant role in the lifestyle and culture of British Columbia. From Whistler’s slopes and ski resorts to local rinks and frozen ponds, people throughout the province make snowboarding, skiing, and ice sports popular activities in the winter season.
Unfortunately, engaging in these activities carries risks. Even the most common winter sports injuries can lead to extended time off work, costly medical bills, and immense stress. When someone else is responsible for these losses, accident victims may be eligible for financial compensation.
Why Winter Sports Injuries Are Common in BC
British Columbia experiences three to six months of winter weather conditions per year. Heavy snowfall and icy surfaces, combined with the high speeds associated with skiing and snowboarding, create a high-risk situation for participants of all skill levels.
Many factors influence the likelihood of ice skating, snowboarding, and ski accident injuries, such as:
- Athlete inexperience
- Fatigue
- Equipment misuse
- Failure to wear the proper gear
- Crowding
- Environmental hazards outside of anyone’s control, such as fallen branches, thin ice, or unknown obstacles
While some of these factors are unavoidable and may not be grounds for a personal injury claim, there are other instances in which individuals, sports facilities, equipment manufacturers, and property owners may be liable.
When Liability May Apply for Winter Sports Injuries in BC
Winter sports may be risky, but that doesn’t mean you should have to pay when another party’s careless actions cause you harm. You may have a valid claim to compensation if your injuries result from:
- Inadequate crowd control during peak season
- Poor slope or rink maintenance
- Negligent lift operation
- Failure to mark hazards
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Faulty protective gear
- Negligent instruction or supervision
- Failure to respond to rapid weather changes, which affect visibility and snow quality
- Another athlete’s reckless or intentional actions
- An event organizer who ignores safety standards
If you sustained injuries in an accident, consulting a winter sports injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options under BC law.
Injuries Common in Winter Sports Activities
Winter sports can result in many types of serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or other head injuries
- Shoulder dislocation
- Knee dislocation
- Other knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament tears (ACL)
- Forearm and wrist fractures from bracing during falls
- Ankle injuries
- Soft-tissue sprains and strains
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Facial injuries
- Deep cuts from skates or sharp equipment
Snowboarding and skiing injuries often involve high-speed collisions with significant force. Injuries resulting from these accidents may require surgery, prolonged recovery, and lost income. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person might also be left with permanent damage, such as chronic pain.
What to Do After a Winter Sports Injury
Taking prompt action after suffering skiing, snowboarding, or ice-skating injuries can protect your safety and strengthen a potential personal injury claim. You should:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t show immediate signs of an injury
- Report the incident to ski patrol, rink staff, event organizers, or management
- Take photos of the accident scene, equipment, visible injuries, and the surrounding area
- Collect witness names and contact information
- Keep records of medical visits, receipts, and missed work
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer
How a BC Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one suffered injuries during winter activities, you could be entitled to seek compensation for your financial and personal losses. Warnett Hallen LLP is an award-winning personal injury law firm serving clients in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
