Practice Areas

As lawyers based in the Sierra foothills, we’ve spent plenty of time on the slopes ourselves, and we know how quickly a fun day on the mountain can take a dangerous turn. Whether you’ve been injured at Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak,, Northstar, or the many other resorts throughout the Reno and Truckee areas, our Reno skiing accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you need to address your medical bills and other hardships.

Why Hire a Reno Skiing Accident Lawyer from Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers?

With over 50 years of experience handling ski accident cases, our firm has built a deep understanding of the unique challenges these cases present. Skiing accidents often require more than just legal knowledge; they call for expertise in the sport itself, as well as familiarity with resort operations, altitude effects, terrain hazards, and avalanche risks.

Beyond our legal experience, we have deep roots in the local community. We’re not only avid skiers, but we also maintain long-standing relationships with local police, emergency responders, hospitals, and court officials. This local network allows us to move quickly with subpoena requests, evidence gathering, and communication with key witnesses, helping your case stay on track from the very beginning.

In addition, we are licensed in both Nevada and California, which means that even if your accident occurred just across the border, we’re fully prepared to represent you. If you’ve been injured on the slopes near Reno, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

What Causes Most Skiing Accidents Near Reno?

Skiing can be as dangerous as it is exhilarating. Below are a few of the most common causes of skiing accidents that our clients face.

Collisions With Other Skiers or Snowboarders

During peak season, it’s not unusual for the resorts in the area surrounding Reno to become incredibly crowded, making skiing and snowboarding accidents much more likely. Many collisions happen due to the negligence of the other recreationalist, especially in cases where they are inexperienced, intoxicated, or blatantly ignoring the regulations of the resort.

Resort Negligence

In some cases, a skiing accident may result from the negligence of the resort itself. This can include a range of failures, such as poorly marked trails, malfunctioning ski lifts, or a lack of warning signs near dangerous areas. Accidents may even occur off the slope, such as in a lodge, bar, or parking lot. Like any other commercial space, ski resorts are held to premises liability laws, which mandate that property owners must do their part to prevent injury on their property.

Equipment Failures

Beyond negligence on the part of other skiers or the resort, another common cause of skiing accidents is equipment that is defective or poorly maintained, such as bindings that don’t lock or release properly. Whether the equipment belonged to you or you rented it (or had it repaired at) the resort, if its failure contributed to your accident, you may be able to pursue a personal injury or product liability case to help you recover compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages.

Legal Liability in Reno Skiing Accidents

As we’ve learned, skiing accidents can happen due to a wide range of factors, and determining who’s liable depends on the details surrounding the incident. Below are a few of the more common parties and individuals who may be held liable for your skiing injuries.

When Is Another Skier or Snowboarder at Fault?

If the other skier or snowboarder was inexperienced, skiing out of control, failing to yield, or intoxicated, they may be found liable for your injuries. While proving fault in these cases can be challenging, eyewitness accounts, video footage (such as GoPro recordings or security footage), and ski patrol reports may help demonstrate that the other party’s actions were reckless and caused harm.

Resort Liability

Any injuries that result from malfunctioning lifts, unmaintained trails, or even icy walkways, broken handrails, or wet floors may be cause for a personal injury suit against a ski resort. Of course, these cases hinge on whether the victim is able to prove that the resort knew of these dangerous conditions and whether these conditions resulted in their injury. However, evidence such as pictures of the accident site, security footage, and witness reports can be used to demonstrate this.

Third-Party Negligence

While the resort or other skiers are to blame in most skiing accident cases, there are still many other parties who may be held liable as well. We’ve touched on how equipment manufacturers or repair services are often held liable for defective products, but the same rule applies to anyone who could have played a role in your accident taking place or the severity of the resulting injury. This may include your employer, if you were on a corporate retreat that engaged in negligent behavior, or tour operators or ski schools, if they instructed you to do something risky or against the rules. Regardless of who might be to blame, a Reno skiing accident attorney can help investigate to determine the next steps.

What If I Signed a Waiver at the Ski Resort?

Just because you’ve signed a liability waiver at a ski resort, that doesn’t mean that the resort is shielded from all liability. Liability waivers are designed so that skiers cannot sue a resort for the inherent risks involved with skiing, such as falling on a steep slope, hitting a tree after losing control, or being injured during sudden weather changes. But they generally don’t protect the resort from liability in cases where the injury resulted from negligence.

For example, it’s unlikely that you would have a valid case if you signed a liability waiver and lost control on a slope due to being inexperienced or during poor weather conditions. But if you lost control on the same slope due to an unmarked ice patch, liability would likely not be shielded by the waiver.

If you have questions regarding a liability waiver you signed at a ski resort, contact us for a free consultation. Analysing these waivers and determining whether or not you can still make a case is one of the many skills that set our Reno skiing accident attorneys apart from the rest.

Safety Tips for Skiing Near Reno

As lawyers who are both experienced in ski accident cases as well as avid skiers ourselves, we know the value of following safety regulations more than most. Below are a few tips that every skier should keep in mind:

• Check for adverse weather conditions: Before hitting the slopes, review the latest weather reports and avalanche forecasts. Conditions in the Sierra Nevada can change rapidly and dramatically.
• Wear proper safety gear: Always wear a safety-certified ski helmet and goggles. Dress in layers to stay warm and dry, and ensure your gear fits properly and is in good condition.
• Stay on marked trails: Do not venture off-piste unless you’re trained and equipped for backcountry skiing and authorized to do so. Stick to trails that match your skill level and obey all posted signs.
• Check the fitting and function of your gear: Whether you’re using your own gear or renting, have it checked by a professional. Poorly maintained or ill-fitting equipment can increase your risk of injury.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Yield to downhill skiers, look uphill before merging, and never stop in blind spots or narrow trail sections.
• Take lessons if you need a refresher: Many ski resorts in the area surrounding Reno offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. If you have any doubts about your ability to ski reliably, it’s better to play it safe and re-evaluate your skills.

Reno Skiing Accident Lawyer: FAQs

What should I do after a skiing accident near Reno?

Contact ski patrol and get to a safe location. If it is safe to do so, document the accident site. Then, once your medical needs have been attended to, report the incident to the resort in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Can I sue a ski resort for an injury in Nevada?

Yes, even if you have signed a liability waiver, you can still sue the resort where the accident took place if negligence was a factor in your injuries. However, to increase your chances of securing a fair claim, it’s always best to work with a skiing accident attorney in Nevada.

Who is responsible if another skier crashes into me on the slopes?

If the skier who crashed into you defied the rules of the resort, was intoxicated, or otherwise acted negligently, they can be held liable for the cost of your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

How much does a Reno skiing accident lawyer cost?

Our skiing accident lawyers work based on contingency, meaning that you don’t pay unless we win your case. If we are successful, our fees will be taken out as a percentage of your overall settlement.

Do I need a local lawyer for a skiing accident in Reno?

Yes, to file a personal injury suit for a skiing accident that happened near Reno, you will need to hire a lawyer licensed in the state where the accident took place (Nevada or California). Our firm is licensed in both.