Maine’s Leading Ski & Snowboard Accident Attorneys

Maine, among many other New England states, houses some of the most exciting and beautiful ski mountains around. While these places can be filled with fun and adventure for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts alike, they can also be highly dangerous. In fact, according to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), about 41.5 people died in skiing/snowboarding per year over the past ten years. In the 2011/12 ski/snowboarding season alone, 54 fatalities occurred out of the 51.0 million skier/snowboarder days reported for the season. Out of these fatalities, 39 were skiers and 12 were snowboarders.

Although the chances of being involved in a snowboarding or skiing accident is lower than engaging in other types of activities (such as driving), it is nevertheless important to understand the fact that when injuries do occur, they are often serious and, sometimes life-threatening. Unfortunately, many people fail to appreciate the risks and dangers associated with skiing and snowboarding, skills of which often take several months, if not years, to fully master.

Overall, it is important to realize that under Maine law, ski areas are generally immune from liability except in a certain limited number of circumstances. However, if you or a loved one was injured while skiing as a result of another’s negligence, contact Peter Thompson & Associates now at 1 800.804.2004 to learn more about your legal options. Our team of qualified Maine ski and snowboard accident attorneys will take the time you need to answer all of your questions, and help you make informed decisions in your case. Contact us today to schedule your completely confidential initial consultation.

In light of the inherent risks associated with skiing and snowboarding, the Maine Legislature decided to revise the Skiers’ and Tramway Passengers’ Responsibility Act (the “Act”), 32 M.S.R.A. § 15217(2). Before 1996, ski areas were immune from liability for injuries inherent, or integral, to the sport of skiing/snowboarding. However, with the passage of the revised Act in 1996, ski areas and other skiers are insulated from most personal injury claims arising out of the inherent dangers of skiing with two narrow exceptions:

1. Ski lift accidents. In certain situations, ski resort operators may be held liable for injuries resulting from ski lifts. Specifically, falls from lifts and injuries suffered by individuals while loading or unloading a defectively designed, improperly maintained, or negligently operated ski lift may be actionable in a court of law. In these set of circumstances, an injured skier or snowboarder may sue the ski lift operator and/or the ski resort in a personal injury case.
2. Skier collisions. If a skier or snowboarder collides with another skier, snowboarder or pedestrian, the offending person could be held liable for any and all resulting injuries and property damages. Skier collisions can be serious, and can lead to severe injuries, especially when at high speeds.

When an accident occurs at a ski resort, typically ski patrol will conduct an investigation and complete a report containing the facts giving rise to the accident and other pertinent information. Moreover, Maine law requires ski lift operators to report lift accidents to the State however, not all of them are reported due to questions regarding causation (i.e., the belief that a lift did not cause a person’s injuries).

While personal injury attorneys in the United States are a dime a dozen, not all lawyers are qualified to handle ski and snowboarding accidents. At Peter Thompson & Associates, our highly experienced Maine ski and snowboard accident attorneys have been representing injured skiers and snowboards in all types of accidents for over 20 years. Not only do we work tirelessly to fight for your legal rights, we also maximize your chances of recovering from your injuries. Due to the fact that it is very difficult to prove ski operator/other skier and snowboarder liability, we rely upon ski patrol reports as well as private investigators to identify witnesses and, the underlying cause of your accident. We also use weather and engineering experts to determine the reasons behind a ski lift malfunction or problems, and, what may have contributed to skier/snowboarder collisions. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we leave no stone unturned and, take all steps necessary to hold those accountable for your injuries.

If you have been injured in a skiing or snowboarding accident in Maine, the experienced, knowledgeable, and highly qualified personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates can help. We offer excellence of legal services to all ski and snowboarding accident victims, guiding you towards a full recovery. Call us today at 1 800.804.2004 to schedule an initial consultation at one of our conveniently located offices in Falmouth, Bangor, and Portland. Home and hospital visits are available statewide. We look forward to providing you with superior legal services.