Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
According to a recent article, a 63-year-old snowboarder from Kingfield, Kendall Willard, died following an accident at Sugarloaf Mountain. The Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Willard died from blunt force trauma after falling while attempting to retrieve a glove he had dropped from a chairlift. Authorities report that Willard walked down a closed trail, which had been shut due to icy conditions. He lost his footing and slid approximately 800 feet into a group of trees. The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Local officials and the community have expressed condolences to his family and friends.
Maine’s rugged mountains and scenic slopes make it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. From Sugarloaf to Sunday River, winter sports enthusiasts come from all over to enjoy the snow-covered terrain. However, with these exciting outdoor activities comes the risk of serious injury. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we understand the complexities of skiing accident claims and are here to help injured individuals pursue the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Skiing Accidents
While skiing always involves some level of inherent risk, not all accidents are the result of simple missteps or challenging terrain. Many injuries are caused by negligence, including:
- Poor trail maintenance or dangerous conditions that resorts fail to properly address
- Malfunctioning or improperly maintained ski lifts and equipment
- Collisions with other skiers or snowboarders due to reckless behavior
- Inadequate signage or failure to mark closed or hazardous trails
- Insufficient ski patrol presence or delayed emergency response
Even experienced skiers can be caught off guard by icy, unmarked trails or equipment failures that result in life-altering injuries.
Who May Be Liable in a Maine Skiing Accident?
Liability in a skiing accident isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties could be responsible, such as:
- Ski resort operators who fail to maintain safe conditions
- Equipment manufacturers, if a defective product contributed to the injury
- Other skiers or snowboarders who acted recklessly or violated slope etiquette
Our legal team at Peter Thompson & Associates will thoroughly investigate your case, review ski resort policies, and consult with industry experts to determine who may be at fault.
Injuries Sustained in Skiing Accidents
Skiing and snowboarding accidents can lead to serious and even catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones or fractures
- Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage
- Internal injuries or organ trauma
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Victims may face long-term consequences, both physically and financially.
Know Your Rights Under Maine Law
Maine’s “assumption of risk” laws can sometimes make personal injury claims involving recreational activities more challenging. However, these laws do not protect ski resorts or other parties from liability if they were grossly negligent or failed to provide a reasonably safe environment.
If you’ve been injured on the slopes due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Long-term disability
Contact a Maine Skiing Accident Lawyer Today
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we have a proven track record of holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a skiing or snowboarding accident in Maine, don’t wait to get legal help. Our skilled attorneys will fight to protect your rights and help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Call us today at 207-874-0909 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.