Ski Accident Lawyer Washington

Washington Ski Law

Skiing is a very popular sport in Washington and we have the Washington Skiing and Commercial Activities Act (RCW – Title 79A – Chapters 79A.45.010) to help protect people when they are enjoying a day at a ski resort but they also protect the ski resorts. Even with protective laws, it can be very difficult to get parties whose negligence caused an innocent person’s injuries and their insurance companies to pay the full amount they should. It is often difficult to prove fault in skiing accidents and to get the full amount of compensation an injury victim is entitled to without the help of a good Washington ski accident lawyer. 

Claims Against Skiers And Snowboarders

While it is not difficult to file a claim against a fellow skier or snowboarder whose negligent actions caused someone’s injuries, it can be difficult to hold them liable and get the money the victim is entitled to. One reason is that unlike car and other vehicle drivers, skiers and snowboarders are not required to carry insurance when they ski. Many people, minors in particular but adults too, who cause injuries do not have the money to pay for the expenses they cause. Another reason is that many skiers and snowboarders who cause accidents do not stop, and unless a witness can identify the suspect- and then someone can find them- you cannot sue someone whose identity is unknown. Sadly, even if the perpetrator stays and provides contact information, and has money, it can still be tricky to get the compensation a victim is entitled to. Good personal injury lawyers may have the knowledge and resources to overcome these challenges and be able to help you seek justice by getting the compensation that you are entitled to. 

Lawsuits Against Ski Resorts

Lawsuits against ski area operators are notoriously difficult to prevail in Washington. Skiing is such a profitable industry here and Washington ski laws are mainly designed to protect ski resort and ski area operators from liability. A good personal injury lawyer who is experienced with Washington ski laws can explain more and assess if your situation warrants filing a claim.

For a reliable Washington ski accident lawyer, contact the compassionate team at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC for a free case evaluation. 

Types Of Ski Accident Cases We Handle

At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we represent individuals hurt in a wide range of personal injury matters, including those involving winter recreation accidents. Whether you’re injured at a ski resort, by defective gear, or due to another skier’s actions, we build cases designed to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term effects. Below are several types of personal injury claims our Washington ski accident lawyer frequently handles.

Unsafe Property Conditions

A ski accident can easily occur if the location is not properly maintained — particularly within ski resorts. Our team will work to prove that the resort was at fault for your accident.

Equipment Malfunctions

When rental skis, bindings, lifts, or helmets fail due to lack of maintenance or poor design, injuries can be severe. These cases often involve examining inspection records and identifying defective equipment.

Collisions With Other Skiers Or Snowboarders

Some accidents occur when a skier acts recklessly, going too fast or ignoring posted signs. If another person’s behavior caused your injury, we assess whether their actions meet the legal standard for negligence.

Faulty Lift Operations

Chairlifts must be properly operated and maintained. If an injury happens while boarding, riding, or exiting the lift, we investigate operator conduct and maintenance logs.

Inadequate Instruction Or Supervision

Ski schools and guided tours are responsible for keeping participants safe. When instructors fail to provide proper direction or supervision, especially to beginners or children, liability may follow.

Lack Of Signage Or Warnings

Resorts have a duty to clearly mark closed trails, dangerous drop-offs, and changing conditions. If these warnings are missing or not visible, that can lead to legal responsibility if someone is hurt.

Serious Personal Injury And Long-Term Harm

Some injuries — such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or fractures — can have lasting effects. For example, ongoing physical therapy may be needed for fractures, or ongoing money may be lost due to a severe spinal cord injury that no longer allows the person to work. We work to recover costs tied to rehabilitation, home adjustments, and long-term care, especially when the injury affects work or daily life.

We’ve secured millions of dollars for injured clients across King County, Kent, and the Seattle area, including single settlements as high as $2.7 million. When serious harm happens on the slopes or elsewhere, we aim to hold the right parties responsible.

Ski resorts offer waivers and post warning signs that outline the assumed risks of skiing. However, there are situations where a resort or its employees can still be held legally responsible. These include preventable hazards that fall outside the normal risks of the sport, like unmaintained trails, broken lifts, or poorly managed resort operations.

While some incidents are truly accidents, others involve clear signs of negligence. If a ski area failed to take reasonable precautions or ignored safety protocols, injured individuals may have a valid claim. Our role is to investigate what happened, collect evidence, and determine whether the operator’s actions — or inactions — led to preventable harm.

Not every injury at a ski resort leads to a lawsuit, but serious incidents should be reviewed. In some cases, the resort’s insurance may cover your injuries, but they may not offer a fair amount upfront. That’s where a Washington ski accident lawyer can step in to assess what your case is truly worth. They will talk to the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you are treated fairly.

You may also have a case if faulty ski equipment caused your injury, such as bindings that failed to release, boots that were not properly fitted, or helmets that did not meet safety standards. These claims may involve both the resort and the product manufacturer.

If you’re recovering from a serious ski injury and believe resort negligence may have played a role, we’re here to talk with you. A Washington ski accident lawyer can help you understand your options and whether pursuing compensation makes sense for your situation. Don’t wait — reach out to our team today to discuss your next steps.