Added: 01/19/2006 |
The Nature Of Ski Accidents And Ways To Prevent ThemCurrently, there are millions of people enjoying the thrill and adventure of skiing, the majority of them not being aware of certain risks and hidden dangers the sport may entail. However, more than 165,000 people are injured on the slopes each year. According to the National Ski Association, 34 people died and 39 more were stricken with paralysis as of 2005. In the United States, ski-related injures exceed $ 250 million in medical bills annually.
The ski accidents fall into following categories: collision cases, lift cases, instructor cases, fall cases, and equipment cases.
In collision cases one skier usually sues another for damages. The parties involved in such a case must exchange identification information, including the name, local, and permanent address. However, a large number of skiers rely on the ski patrol to obtain the information, which is under no duty to do this. According to the law, the uphill skier bears the responsibility for the accident since his primary duty is to avoid the skier following him. However, the Ski Safely Statute provides that all skiers should maintain control and ski cautiously.
Lift cases are ski accidents which occur as a result of improperly maintained ski lift systems. The law provides that operators of the ski area are responsible for operating the lifts in accordance with the highest degree of safety. More than 90 percent of lift cases occur when the skier is loading or unloading, and are seen as a result of either his error or incorrect operation.
The fault of injury in fall cases lies with the improperly designed groomed slopes. The duty of ski operators is to maintain the ski areas in accordance with the requirements determined by the Ski Safety Statute. In 1990, amendments were passed to the Ski Safety Act, providing that no skier can recover for injuries from the inherent hazards of skiing.
Whenever a skier is injured under the supervision of an instructor, the situation is identified as an instructor case. This means that instructors shouldn't lead classes in the terrain beyond their ability or encourage skiers to take dangerous jumps.
In equipment cases injury is caused as a result of a skier's improper equipment, which is generally failure of alpine bindings. In this case, responsibility will depend on whether the bindings were properly set or whether they were properly functioning.
Experts are of the opinion that ski accidents are most likely to occur at the end of the day, when it gets colder and darker and skiers are more tired.
Despite the fact that the majority of fatal ski accidents entail head injuries, very few skiers use helmets.
Several ski-related organizations have established ski rules, posted in major ski areas. According to these ski safety tips, skiers must know how to use ski lifts, observe warning sings, avoid blocking a ski trail and use skis with brakes. Skiers in front have the right of way, while those behind must avoid them. There also exists a law on ski safety, emphasizing that skiers bear the major responsibility for their safety.
In the United States the ski industry involves 54 million people and $12 billion, and ski accidents unfortunately occur. If a skier is injured through no fault of his own, he should contact a lawyer, familiar with the ski law.
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