The Warren Firm represented a client who suffered serious leg injuries after being struck from behind by a snowboarder while skiing at a Virginia ski resort.
Our client was enjoying a family vacation and skiing down a slope with his daughter when a snowboarder traveling downhill from behind collided with him. Members of our client’s family witnessed the collision and confirmed that the snowboarder struck him from behind.
The claim focused on the responsibilities of an uphill skier or snowboarder to maintain control, keep a proper lookout, and avoid participants downhill. The Warren Firm developed the liability claim using the circumstances of the collision, witness accounts, applicable Virginia law, and established skiing safety principles.
Serious Leg Fractures and Surgery
The force of the collision caused significant fractures to our client’s left tibia and fibula. Ski patrol responded at the scene, stabilized his leg, and arranged for ambulance transportation to a nearby emergency department.
Emergency imaging revealed a comminuted fracture of the mid-tibial shaft as well as a fracture of the proximal fibular shaft with displacement. Because our client lived out of state, he elected to return home for definitive orthopedic treatment once physicians determined that he was stable enough to travel.
Several days later, an orthopedic surgeon evaluated the fractures and recommended surgery. Our client subsequently underwent surgical repair of the tibia using an intramedullary implant and interlocking screws.
His recovery required extensive follow-up care and rehabilitation, including 19 physical therapy appointments over several months. He continued to experience pain and swelling during his recovery and required medication, physical therapy, and continued orthopedic monitoring.
The Warren Firm pursued compensation for the full impact of the collision, including the client’s medical expenses, lost income, physical injuries, pain, and recovery.
The case ultimately resolved for $260,000. In many instances the best results come after a suit is filed and the case is litigated and prepared for trial. This case resolved as the trial date was approaching.
This case demonstrates that serious injuries can occur even during recreational activities and that the circumstances surrounding a skiing or snowboarding collision—including the positions of the participants, witness testimony, safety responsibilities, and applicable law—can be critical when evaluating liability.
Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in another matter.
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