Suing for Head Injuries Caused by Ski Accidents in Maryland

While Maryland is not particularly well known for skiing, it is home to one ski hill called Wisp Resort. As we leave the summer months behind and approach winter, many Maryland residents will head to this ski hill to enjoy many hours of fun. Of course, many residents travel to nearby States instead, including Virginia and West Virginia. But what happens if you suffer a serious head injury while skiing in Maryland? Could you file a personal injury lawsuit?

How to Sue for a Head Injury on a Ski Resort 

The first step in a ski resort head injury lawsuit is to examine any liability waivers. All modern ski resorts force you to agree to these waivers before accessing the ski hills. These waivers essentially state that if you become injured on the mountain, the ski resort is not liable. For example, Wisp Resort has a “participation agreement” with a “release from liability.” This releases the company and all its representatives from any liability regarding injuries during a list of “activities.” These activities include not only skiing, but also snow tubing, archery, disc golf, and so on.

While these liability waivers can be difficult to overcome, they may not completely protect resorts from lawsuits – especially in cases involving gross liability. A recent case in Colorado shows that liability waivers only offer limited protection to resorts. In addition, liability waivers cannot protect resorts from non-activity-related accidents. For example, you might have slipped and fallen outside of a cafeteria or store on the resort. The resort is still required to keep walking areas safe – just like any other establishment in Maryland. A slip and fall can easily cause serious traumatic brain injuries.

You might also suffer head injuries due to the negligence of resort staff. For example, a staff member might have struck you while riding their snowmobile. Perhaps your injury was worsened by a negligent first aid responder who failed to secure you to a stretcher. Maybe you fell off the side of a cliff after being dragged by a malfunctioning ski lift. These situations could potentially lead to lawsuits.

Common Ski Hill Injuries 

Even when wearing a helmet, skiers and snowboarders can suffer serious head injuries. Even a slight loss of balance can send a rider hurtling to the ground. These falls can be exacerbated by hard ice on the ground. Some of the most serious injuries occur when skiers and snowboarders attempt aerial stunts on halfpipes and kickers. These accidents can easily cause spinal cord injuries and permanent disability.

Can a Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Head Injury? 

If you have suffered a serious head injury while skiing, a Baltimore head injury lawyer may be able to guide you toward the compensation you need. Consider discussing a potential lawsuit with Furman Honick Law – an established Owings Mills personal injury law firm with a track record of helping plaintiffs like you. We know how serious head injuries can be, and we can help you cover medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. Reach out today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.

Sources: 

wispresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WISP-Participation-Agreement.pdf

skimag.com/news/colorado-supreme-court-chairlift-fall-lawsuit/