Accidents On The Ski Slopes - How To Claim Compensation

• Published date: 09 January 2023
• Subject Matter: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration, Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment, Personal Injury, Sport
• Law Firm: Giambrone & Partners
• Author: Ms Ottavia Pulizzi

Winter sports are exciting and highly popular activities. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) in its latest consumer report, suggests that an estimated 1.7 million people are planning or have already booked a winter sports break this season, with many looking forward to skiing or snowboarding. For some, it will be the first time back on the slopes for over three seasons due to the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.

Whilst skiing and other alpine sports are without a doubt exhilarating, there is an undeniable risk, a BBC report suggested that approximately 10,000 are injured each season. After a gap of three seasons, it is recommended that before going back to the slopes individuals give consideration to increasing their level of fitness before participating in what are inevitably challenging and vigorous activities. Also insuring that appropriate levels of medical insurance is taken out. Government advice for keeping safe on the slopes suggests that you should review the advice provided by the International Ski Federation (FIS) on the Ski Club GB website.

Ottavia Pulizzi, an associate, commented "winter sports have a high-risk factor and many accidents on the slopes are due to the recklessand negligent behaviour of individuals or organisations' failure to maintain equipment or correctly signpost a risk, alcohol or drugs can also be a factor that impacts and facilitates an accident or often simply irresponsible skiing by others causes a disaster." Piero further commented "If you, or someone in your group has a serious accident it is vital that as much evidence as possible is gathered as soon as possible, while the event is fresh in the minds of the witnesses."

• Obtain eyewitness contact details from people passing by, medical attendants and police, if involved
• Photograph the site and aftermath of the accident from all angles as well as the surrounding landscape
• Seek medical attention, even for what appears to be a minor injury
• Contact the authorities to report the accident
• Obtain full details from any party or representatives of an organisation involved in the accident
• Write contemporaneous notes on the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind
• Report the incident to the British consulate or embassy

The experienced lawyers in Giambrone & Partners personal injury department can assist our clients through our offices in the UK whilst liaising with English speaking colleagues in our European offices, removing the need for...