Steamboat Springs Ski Accident Lawyer

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Steamboat Springs is home to some of Colorado’s best skiing, drawing locals and visitors to Steamboat Resort’s legendary Champagne Powder® snow. But with thousands of skiers sharing the mountain every day, accidents happen—and when they do, the consequences can be devastating.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a ski accident at Steamboat Resort or any Colorado ski area, Eddington Law is here to help. For more than 35 years, our firm has been fighting for ski accident victims throughout Colorado. With our office right here in Steamboat Springs, we provide the immediate, personal attention you need combined with the resources and experience to take on anyone—from individual skiers to major resort corporations.

We understand what makes Steamboat special, we know the mountain, and we know Colorado ski law inside and out. When you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain recovery, you need attorneys who will fight for your family as hard as you’d fight for theirs. That’s what we do.

Understanding Ski Accidents in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Resort attracts skiers of all ability levels, from beginners on the gentle runs of Sunshine and Bashor to experts tackling the steep and deep terrain of Christmas Tree Bowl and No Name. This mix of ability levels, combined with variable snow conditions and busy slopes, creates an environment where accidents can occur despite everyone’s best intentions.

Common Causes of Ski Accidents at Steamboat

The ski accidents we see at Steamboat and throughout Colorado typically result from:

Out-of-Control Skiers: When skiers exceed their ability level or ski too fast for conditions, they become unable to avoid other skiers or obstacles. Colorado law requires all skiers to ski in control at all times—violations of this basic safety rule are the leading cause of ski collisions.

Uphill Skier Violations: Colorado’s Skier Responsibility Code places responsibility on uphill skiers to avoid those below them. When uphill skiers fail to look downhill, lose control, or otherwise violate this rule, serious collisions often result.

Reckless Skiing Behavior: Some skiers engage in dangerous behavior like weaving through crowds, skiing while impaired, or attempting terrain beyond their ability. When recklessness causes injuries, the at-fault skier must be held accountable.

Lift Operations Issues: Chairlift accidents can occur due to mechanical failures, operator errors, sudden stops, or loading/unloading incidents. While less common than collisions, lift accidents often result in serious injuries including falls from significant heights.

Trail Hazards: Man-made hazards left on trails, inadequate warnings of dangers, or improper trail marking can create dangerous situations. While resorts have broad legal protections, they can be liable when they create hazards or fail to warn of known dangers.

Equipment Failures: Defective bindings that fail to release properly, improperly maintained rental equipment, or gear that breaks during use can cause serious accidents. These cases may involve ski shops, equipment manufacturers, or resorts.

Poor Visibility: Flat light, fog, and snowstorms can make it difficult to see other skiers or terrain features. While weather is generally considered an inherent risk, resorts may have duties to close runs or restrict access in extremely poor conditions.

Types of Ski Accident Cases We Handle in Steamboat Springs

Our Steamboat Springs ski accident practice covers the full spectrum of skiing injuries and legal claims:

Ski Collision Cases

Collisions between skiers are the most common type of ski accident we handle. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries including:

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Multiple fractures and broken bones
Knee and ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, meniscus)
Shoulder injuries (rotator cuff tears, dislocations)
Internal injuries and organ damage
Facial injuries and dental trauma

Identify the At-Fault Party: We interview witnesses, review ski patrol reports, obtain video footage when available, and analyze the accident scene to establish who violated Colorado’s skiing safety rules.

Locate Insurance Coverage: Most people don’t realize that homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies typically cover ski accidents. We identify all available insurance coverage, including the at-fault party’s homeowner’s policy, umbrella policies, and any other applicable coverage.

Document Your Injuries: We work with your medical providers to document the full extent of your injuries, obtain expert opinions about future medical needs, and establish the accident’s impact on your life and ability to work.

Preserve Critical Evidence: We act quickly to preserve helmet camera footage, ski patrol reports, witness information, and accident scene documentation before this evidence disappears.

Navigate Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim or blame you for the accident. We handle all communications with insurance companies and fight for full compensation.

Colorado’s “uphill skier rule” creates a strong presumption of liability when you’re hit from behind or from uphill. However, insurance companies will still try to avoid responsibility or minimize your injuries. Having experienced attorneys who know how to prove these cases is essential.

Chairlift Accident Cases

Steamboat operates 16 lifts ranging from surface lifts and fixed-grip chairs to high-speed detachable lifts. While lift accidents are less common than collisions, they often result in severe injuries when they occur.

Loading and Unloading Accidents: Injuries that occur when getting on or off chairlifts, often due to operator error, lift timing issues, or inadequate assistance for inexperienced skiers.

Mechanical Failures: Lift malfunctions, cable issues, chair detachments, or other mechanical problems that cause injuries.

Sudden Stops: When lifts stop unexpectedly, skiers can be thrown forward, lose grip, or fall from chairs.

Falls from Lifts: Accidents where skiers fall or are knocked off moving chairlifts, often resulting in serious injuries from significant heights.

T-Bar and Surface Lift Accidents: Injuries on surface lifts including being pulled into obstacles, equipment failures, or rapid stops.

Lift Tower Collisions: Injuries when chairs swing into lift towers due to wind or mechanical issues.

Chairlift cases are complex because they involve potential resort liability, which triggers analysis under Colorado’s Ski Safety Act. While the Act provides significant protections to ski resorts, it does not shield them from liability for negligent lift operations, maintenance failures, or operator errors.

Our attorneys know how to investigate lift accidents, obtain maintenance records, work with mechanical engineering experts, and build cases that overcome the resort’s statutory defenses.

Trail Hazard and Grooming Cases

Steamboat Resort maintains over 2,965 acres of skiable terrain with 165 trails. While grooming and trail maintenance are constant challenges, resorts have legal duties regarding trail conditions and warnings.

Man-Made Hazards: Grooming equipment left on trails, poorly placed rope lines, exposed infrastructure, or debris that creates dangerous conditions.

Inadequate Warnings: Failure to warn of known hazards like rocks, stumps, cliffs, or other dangers that skiers wouldn’t reasonably expect.

Improper Trail Marking: Inadequate signage regarding trail difficulty, closed areas, or hazardous conditions.

Grooming Negligence: Grooming practices that create dangerous conditions like ice patches, unexpected terrain features, or unstable snow.

Rope Line and Boundary Issues: Inadequate marking of closed areas, boundary ropes that break or are positioned improperly, or failure to secure dangerous areas.

Hidden Hazards: Natural hazards that should be marked but aren’t, particularly in areas where skiers wouldn’t expect such hazards based on terrain and trail ratings.

These cases require careful legal analysis under the Ski Safety Act. While resorts are generally protected from liability for natural hazards and snow conditions, they can be held accountable when they:

Create man-made hazards
Know about dangers but fail to warn
Violate industry standards for trail maintenance and marking
Fail to follow their own policies and procedures

We work with ski industry experts who can testify about standard practices for trail maintenance, hazard marking, and grooming operations.

Equipment Failure and Rental Gear Cases

Ski equipment must function properly to prevent serious injuries. When equipment fails or rental gear is improperly fitted, the results can be catastrophic.

Binding Failures: Ski bindings must release during falls to prevent knee injuries and leg fractures. When bindings fail to release or release unexpectedly, serious injuries can result.

Rental Equipment Issues: Improperly fitted boots, skis set for wrong DIN settings, damaged rental equipment, or equipment not properly maintained by rental shops.

Defective Equipment: Manufacturing defects in skis, bindings, boots, helmets, or other equipment that cause injuries.

Equipment Maintenance Failures: Failure by rental shops or resorts to properly maintain, inspect, and service equipment.

Improper Fitting: Rental shop employees who don’t properly fit equipment or set appropriate DIN settings for the skier’s weight, height, and ability level.

Equipment cases often involve multiple parties including equipment manufacturers, rental shops, and potentially ski resorts. We conduct thorough investigations including:

Preservation of equipment exactly as it was at time of accident
Expert analysis of equipment function and failure
Review of rental shop records and procedures
Analysis of manufacturing and maintenance issues
Identification of all potentially liable parties

These cases may involve product liability claims against manufacturers, negligence claims against rental shops, or breach of warranty claims. We have relationships with biomechanical engineers and equipment experts who can analyze equipment failures and testify in court.

Ski School and Instructor Cases

Steamboat’s Ski and Snowboard School is one of the largest in Colorado, offering group lessons, private instruction, and specialized programs. While most instructors are professional and safety-conscious, instructor negligence can cause injuries.

Inadequate Supervision: Instructors who fail to properly watch students, particularly children, leading to collisions, falls, or other accidents.

Inappropriate Terrain Selection: Instructors who take students to terrain beyond their ability level, creating dangerous situations.

Poor Instruction: Inadequate teaching of basic safety skills, turning techniques, or stopping methods.

Reckless Instruction: Instructors who demonstrate or encourage dangerous skiing behavior.

Child Safety Issues: Special concerns involving young children in ski school, including adequate instructor-to-student ratios and age-appropriate supervision.

Failure to Communicate: Instructors who don’t adequately explain risks, safety rules, or appropriate skiing techniques.

When ski instructors act negligently, both the instructor and the ski resort that employs them may be liable for resulting injuries. We analyze instructor credentials, training, and conduct to establish liability.

Understanding Colorado Ski Law

The legal framework governing ski accident cases in Colorado is unique and complex. Two key pieces of legislation shape every ski accident case:

The Colorado Ski Safety Act

Colorado’s Ski Safety Act, codified at C.R.S. § 33-44-101 et seq., is the single most important law affecting ski accident cases. Passed in 1979 and amended several times since, this statute provides significant protections to ski areas by limiting their liability for injuries that result from “inherent risks” of skiing.

What the Ski Safety Act Covers:

The Act defines “inherent dangers and risks of skiing” broadly to include:

Changing weather conditions and visibility
Snow and ice conditions, including variations in terrain
Bare spots, rocks, stumps, trees, and other natural objects
Impact with lift towers, signs, posts, or other structures
Variations in steepness or terrain
Collisions with other skiers

The Act requires ski areas to post warnings about these inherent risks and largely protects them from liability when injuries result from such risks.

When Ski Resorts Can Still Be Liable:

The Ski Safety Act does not provide unlimited protection. Ski areas can still be held liable for their own negligence in several critical areas.

Lift Operations: Ski resorts must properly maintain and operate their lift systems. When mechanical failures, operator errors, or inadequate maintenance cause injuries, the resort can be held liable despite the Ski Safety Act.

Dangerous Conditions They Create: While resorts aren’t liable for natural hazards, they can be held accountable for man-made hazards they create through grooming, trail construction, or leaving equipment on trails.

Known Hazards They Don’t Mark: Resorts have a duty to mark and warn of known hazards that skiers wouldn’t reasonably expect based on the terrain and trail rating. When they fail to warn, they may be liable for resulting injuries.

Violations of Industry Standards: When ski resorts violate accepted industry practices for operations, maintenance, or safety, they may lose the Act’s protections.

Their Own Policies: When resorts fail to follow their own written safety policies and procedures, this can establish negligence that overcomes statutory protections.

Our attorneys have spent years studying the Ski Safety Act and analyzing Colorado appellate court decisions interpreting its provisions. We know how to identify exceptions to the Act’s protections and build cases that succeed even when resorts claim immunity.

The Colorado Skier Responsibility Code

Colorado’s Skier Responsibility Code, also part of C.R.S. § 33-44-101 et seq., establishes basic safety rules that all skiers must follow. This code is critical in collision cases.

Key Provisions of the Skier Responsibility Code:

The Uphill Skier Rule: The most important rule states that skiers approaching from uphill have the primary duty to avoid collisions with any person or objects below them. This creates a strong legal presumption that when you’re hit from behind or from uphill, the other skier was at fault.

Skiing in Control: All skiers must ski in control and in a manner that allows them to stop or avoid other skiers or objects. This is a fundamental safety requirement that many reckless skiers violate.

Looking Before Starting or Merging: Before starting downhill or merging onto a trail, skiers must look uphill and yield to oncoming skiers. Violating this rule often causes T-bone style collisions at trail merges.

Not Stopping Where Not Visible: Skiers should not stop where they obstruct a trail or are not visible from above. While this doesn’t excuse uphill skiers from their duty to avoid stopped skiers, it can become a factor in determining comparative fault.

Proper Use of Devices and Trails: Skiers must use bindings, straps, and other devices to help retain control, and must use tracks and trails designed for their ability level.

In collision cases, we carefully analyze how the accident occurred to determine which provisions of the Skier Responsibility Code were violated. Violations of these rules establish negligence and create liability.

Insurance Coverage in Steamboat Springs Ski Accident Cases

One of the most misunderstood aspects of ski accident cases is insurance coverage. Many injured skiers assume they have no recourse if the at-fault party wasn’t carrying “ski insurance.” But that’s rarely the case.

Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance

The primary source of recovery in most ski collision cases is the at-fault skier’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Most people don’t realize that standard homeowner’s policies include personal liability coverage that applies to activities away from the home—including skiing.

Typical homeowner’s policies provide $100,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage. This coverage can compensate you for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Disability and disfigurement
Lost enjoyment of life

We investigate to identify the at-fault party’s insurance coverage and pursue maximum compensation under all available policies.

Umbrella Policies

Many people carry umbrella liability policies that provide additional coverage above their homeowner’s policy limits. These policies typically provide $1 million to $5 million in additional coverage and can be crucial in serious injury cases where damages exceed homeowner’s policy limits.

Ski Resort Insurance

When ski resorts can be held liable—such as in lift accident cases or cases involving resort negligence—their commercial general liability policies may provide coverage. Major resort operators typically carry substantial insurance coverage.

Equipment Manufacturer’s Insurance

In equipment failure cases, manufacturers’ product liability insurance may provide coverage. Equipment manufacturers typically carry substantial insurance for defective product claims.

Your Own Insurance

Your own insurance policies may also play a role:

Health Insurance: Covers your medical treatment, though you may need to reimburse your health insurer from any settlement or award.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault party has no insurance or insufficient coverage, your own auto policy’s UM/UIM coverage may apply to ski accidents in some circumstances.

Personal Injury Protection: Some insurance policies include PIP coverage that can help with medical bills and lost wages.

Navigating these multiple sources of coverage requires experience and knowledge of insurance law. We handle all insurance matters for our clients, from identifying coverage to negotiating with adjusters to litigating coverage disputes.

Common Injuries in Steamboat Springs Ski Accidents

Ski accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to catastrophic and life-altering. Our firm has represented clients with virtually every type of skiing injury:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries are frighteningly common in ski accidents, even among skiers wearing helmets. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring long-term care.

TBIs can cause:

Cognitive impairments (memory, concentration, processing speed)
Personality and behavioral changes
Headaches and migraines
Balance and coordination problems
Vision and hearing issues
Seizures
Loss of smell or taste

Many brain injury symptoms are not immediately apparent after an accident. You may feel fine initially, then develop symptoms hours or days later. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention after any collision involving head impact, even if you feel okay.

Severe TBIs can be life-altering, affecting your ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life. These cases require extensive medical documentation, neurological testing, and expert testimony to prove the full extent of damages.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord damage is among the most catastrophic injuries that can result from ski accidents. These injuries can cause:

Complete or partial paralysis
Loss of sensation
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Sexual dysfunction
Chronic pain
Respiratory problems
Increased risk of infections

Spinal cord injuries require immediate emergency care and often result in permanent disability. Victims face enormous medical expenses, need for personal care, home modifications, specialized equipment, and complete life restructuring.

These catastrophic injury cases require attorneys with experience handling high-value claims and the resources to prove lifetime damages often reaching into the millions of dollars.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are among the most common ski accidents, particularly among skiers (as opposed to snowboarders). Common knee injuries include:

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears
MCL (medial collateral ligament) sprains or tears
Meniscus tears
PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) injuries
Patellar dislocations
Multiple ligament injuries

Knee injuries typically require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Many victims face long-term complications including chronic pain, instability, reduced range of motion, and early-onset arthritis. For active individuals, these injuries can permanently affect quality of life and ability to participate in sports and recreational activities.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Ski accidents commonly cause fractures including:

Leg fractures (tibia, fibula, femur)
Ankle fractures
Wrist and forearm fractures
Collarbone fractures
Rib fractures
Facial fractures
Pelvic fractures

While some fractures heal with conservative treatment, many require surgery, hardware implantation (plates, screws, rods), and extensive rehabilitation. Complications like non-union, malunion, or infection can lead to additional surgeries and permanent impairment.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are common in ski falls and collisions, including:

Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder dislocations
Separated shoulders (AC joint separations)
Labral tears
Fractures of the clavicle, scapula, or humerus

Shoulder injuries often require surgery and extensive physical therapy. Many victims experience chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty performing work duties or daily activities.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from high-speed collisions or impacts can cause serious internal injuries:

Internal bleeding
Organ damage (liver, spleen, kidney)
Rib fractures with lung injuries (pneumothorax)
Abdominal injuries

Internal injuries are medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment. Some internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, which is why thorough medical evaluation after serious collisions is essential.

What Your Steamboat Ski Accident Case May Be Worth

Every ski accident case is unique, and the value depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your injuries. However, you may be entitled to recover several categories of damages:

Economic Damages (Monetary Losses)

Medical Expenses: Compensation for all past and future medical treatment related to your injuries, including:

Emergency room care
Ambulance and transportation
Surgery and hospitalization
Doctor and specialist visits
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Medications and medical equipment
Home modifications for disabilities
Future medical care and treatment

Lost Wages: Compensation for income you’ve lost due to your injuries, including:

Time missed from work during recovery
Lost overtime and bonuses
Lost benefits and vacation time
Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
Career training costs if you need to change careers

Property Damage: Replacement or repair of damaged ski equipment, clothing, and personal property.

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced and will continue to experience due to your injuries.

Emotional Distress: Recognition of psychological impacts including:

Anxiety and depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Fear of skiing or outdoor activities
Sleep disturbances
Mental anguish

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for your inability to enjoy activities and hobbies you loved before your injury. This is particularly significant in ski accident cases where victims who loved winter sports can no longer participate.

Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects your appearance and self-esteem.

Loss of Consortium: In serious injury cases, your spouse may have a separate claim for loss of companionship, intimacy, affection, and support.

Factors That Affect Case Value

Several factors influence the value of ski accident cases:

Severity of Injuries: More serious injuries with permanent consequences typically result in higher compensation.

Impact on Life and Work: Injuries that prevent you from working or enjoying life activities you previously loved increase case value.

Liability Clarity: Cases with clear liability (like uphill skier violations) generally settle for higher amounts than cases with disputed fault.

Available Insurance: The amount and types of insurance coverage available affect potential recovery.

Medical Expenses: Higher medical bills generally correlate with higher settlements, particularly when extensive future treatment is needed.

Lost Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent you from earning what you previously earned, this significantly increases case value.

Quality of Legal Representation: Experienced attorneys who know how to prove ski accident cases typically recover more compensation than inexperienced counsel.

Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim by disputing liability, arguing your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed, or conten

The Process of a Steamboat Springs Ski Accident Case

Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety during an already stressful time. While every case is different, most ski accident cases follow a similar path:

Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation (Free)

Your case begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

Listen to your story and how the accident occurred
Review any documentation you have (accident reports, medical records, photos)
Explain Colorado ski law and how it applies to your case
Identify potential sources of compensation
Answer all your questions
Explain our fee structure
Give you an honest assessment of your case

There’s no pressure and no obligation. If we take your case, we do so on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Phase 2: Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once you hire us, we immediately begin building your case:

Accident Investigation:

Visit the accident scene and document conditions
Interview witnesses
Obtain ski patrol reports and incident documentation
Secure any available video footage
Photograph the scene and your injuries
Preserve damaged equipment

Medical Documentation:

Obtain all medical records and bills
Consult with your treating physicians
Arrange independent medical examinations if needed
Document how injuries affect your daily life
Evaluate future medical needs

Liability Investigation:

Identify the at-fault party
Investigate all potentially responsible parties
Locate insurance coverage
Research ski resort policies and procedures
Obtain maintenance records when applicable
Consult with expert witnesses

Phase 3: Demand and Negotiation

Once your medical condition stabilizes and we fully understand your injuries, we:

Prepare a comprehensive demand package documenting your case
Present the demand to insurance companies or defendants
Negotiate for fair settlement
Respond to any settlement offers

Many cases settle during this phase. However, we only recommend settlement when the offer fairly compensates you for all your losses. We never pressure clients to settle and always defer to your judgment about whether to accept an offer.

Phase 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and pursue your case through litigation:

Filing Suit: We file a complaint in the appropriate Colorado court, typically in Routt County for Steamboat accidents.

Discovery: Both sides exchange information through written questions (interrogatories), document requests, and depositions (recorded testimony under oath).

Expert Witnesses: We retain experts to support your case, which may include medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, ski industry experts, or economic experts to calculate damages.

Mediation: Most courts require mediation before trial—a formal settlement conference with a neutral mediator. Many cases settle at mediation.

Trial: If we can’t settle, we try your case to a jury. We present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue for fair compensation.

Appeals: In rare cases, either side may appeal the verdict. We handle appeals when necessary to protect our clients’ interests.

Phase 5: Resolution and Recovery

Once your case resolves—whether through settlement or trial verdict—we:

Handle all settlement paperwork
Negotiate reductions in medical liens (to maximize your recovery)
Distribute settlement funds
Provide detailed accounting of all case expenses and attorney fees
Help connect you with resources for ongoing recovery

Throughout this entire process, we keep you informed, answer your questions, and make sure you understand what’s happening with your case.

Why Choose Eddington Law for Your Steamboat Springs Ski Accident Case

When you’re facing life-changing injuries and mounting bills, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here’s what sets Eddington Law apart:

35+ Years of Experience with Ski Accident Cases

We’ve been handling ski and snowboard accident cases throughout Colorado since 1990. This experience means we:

Understand the nuances of Colorado ski law
Know how to overcome Ski Safety Act defenses
Have relationships with expert witnesses
Understand ski resort operations and industry standards
Know insurance company tactics and how to counter them

Local Steamboat Springs Presence

Our office in Steamboat Springs gives us:

Ability to respond quickly to accidents
Knowledge of Steamboat Resort and local conditions
Relationships with local medical providers, ski patrol, and community members
Understanding of the unique Steamboat Springs ski community

We’re not Denver lawyers trying to handle your case remotely—we’re your neighbors.

Resources to Take on Anyone

From individual skiers to Alterra Mountain Company (which owns Steamboat Resort), we have the resources to take your case as far as it needs to go. We’ve successfully litigated complex cases against well-funded opponents and aren’t intimidated by anyone.

Trial Experience

While many cases settle, insurance companies only offer fair settlements when they know you have attorneys willing and able to try your case. We’ve tried numerous ski accident cases to verdict and have the courtroom skills to present complex winter sports injury cases effectively to juries.

Contingency Fee Representation

We handle all ski accident cases on a contingency fee basis:

No upfront fees or costs
No hourly billing
We pay all case expenses
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you

This approach aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you do.

Personal Attention and Communication

When you call our office, you speak with attorneys, not intake coordinators. We limit our caseload so we can give each client the attention they deserve. We return calls promptly, keep you informed about your case, and make sure you understand what’s happening every step of the way.

Track Record of Results

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record speaks to our capabilities:

Millions of dollars recovered for ski accident victims
Successful cases against major ski resort operators
Successful cases against individual skiers and their insurers
Positive client reviews and referrals

Time Limits for Filing Ski Accident Claims

Colorado law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, known as statutes of limitations. For most ski accident cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit.

Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be or how seriously you were injured. There are very few exceptions to this rule.

Additionally, evidence becomes harder to gather as time passes:

Witnesses’ memories fade
Accident scene conditions change
Video footage gets deleted
Insurance companies become less willing to negotiate

That’s why it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner we can begin investigating and building your case, the stronger your position will be.

Special Circumstances That May Affect Deadlines

Some situations may extend or shorten the statute of limitations:

Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations may not begin running until they turn 18.

Government Entities: Claims against government entities (like state-operated ski areas) have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

Discovery Rule: In rare cases where injuries weren’t immediately apparent, the deadline may run from when you discovered or should have discovered your injuries.

Don’t risk losing your right to compensation by waiting. Contact Eddington Law today for a free consultation.

What to Do After a Ski Accident at Steamboat Resort

If you’ve been injured in a ski accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do:

1. Get Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, get evaluated by ski patrol and seek medical attention. Some serious injuries like concussions and internal injuries don’t have immediate symptoms.

2. Report the Accident to Ski Patrol

Make sure ski patrol creates an accident report. Get:

The name of the ski patrol member who responded
The incident report number
A copy of the report if possible

This official documentation is critical evidence.

3. Gather Information

If you’re able, collect information at the scene:

Name, address, and phone number of other parties involved
Names and contact information of witnesses
Photos of the accident scene, trail conditions, and your visible injuries
Trail name and location of accident
Snow and weather conditions

4. Preserve Your Equipment

Don’t have your equipment repaired or adjusted until it can be examined as part of your case. Equipment condition and settings can be important evidence. Take photos of all equipment exactly as it was after the accident.

5. Keep Your Lift Ticket

Save your lift ticket from the day of the accident. It proves you were at the resort and helps establish the timeline.

6. Document Everything

Keep all medical records and bills
Take photos of visible injuries as they develop
Keep a journal documenting your pain, symptoms, and limitations
Save receipts for all accident-related expenses
Document how injuries affect your work and daily life

7. Don’t Give Statements to Insurance Companies

Before you speak with any insurance company (other than your own to report basic facts), talk to an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to get statements they can use to minimize or deny your claim. Politely decline to give recorded statements until you’ve consulted with legal counsel.

8. Don’t Post About Your Accident on Social Media

Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely search social media for information they can use against you. They’ll use photos, posts, or comments to argue you’re not as injured as you claim. Limit social media activity and don’t discuss your accident or case online.

9. Contact Eddington Law

Call our Steamboat Springs office at (970) 870-9870 as soon as possible. We offer free consultations with no obligation. We can:

Evaluate your case
Explain your legal rights
Answer your questions
Preserve critical evidence
Begin building your case immediately

The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue Steamboat Resort for my ski accident?

It depends on the circumstances. Colorado’s Ski Safety Act provides significant protections to ski resorts, but they can still be held liable for negligence in areas like lift operations, creating man-made hazards, failing to warn of known dangers, and improperly maintained terrain features. We can evaluate whether the resort may be liable in your specific case.

What if I was partially at fault for my accident?

Colorado follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault and suffered $100,000 in damages, you could recover $70,000.

What if the other skier who hit me doesn’t have ski insurance?

Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies include personal liability coverage that applies to ski accidents. Even if the at-fault skier doesn’t have specific “ski insurance,” their homeowner’s policy likely provides coverage. We investigate to identify all available insurance.

How much does it cost to hire Eddington Law?

Nothing upfront. We handle all ski accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We pay all costs of investigating and building your case, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There’s no financial risk to you.

How long will my case take?

It varies. Some cases settle within months through insurance negotiations, while others take a year or more if they require litigation. We work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation. We never rush you to settle before you’re ready.

Will my case go to trial?

Most ski accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

What if my accident happened at a different ski resort?

We handle ski accident cases throughout Colorado, including at all major resorts like Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Keystone, and others throughout the state. While we’re based in Steamboat Springs, we represent clients injured anywhere in Colorado.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

Never accept a settlement offer without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often make quick, lowball offers hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full value of your case. Once you accept a settlement, you typically can’t pursue additional compensation later, even if you discover your injuries are worse than initially thought.

What if my injuries don’t seem serious at first but get worse later?

Many ski injuries have delayed symptoms or long-term consequences that aren’t immediately apparent. That’s why it’s important to get thorough medical evaluation and not settle your case too quickly. We wait until your condition stabilizes and your doctors can assess long-term impacts before negotiating settlement.

Can I still ski while my case is pending?

Generally yes, though we advise discussing this with us first. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may try to use your return to skiing against you, arguing you’re not as injured as claimed. We can advise you on how to protect your case while resuming activities when medically appropriate.

Contact Our Steamboat Springs Ski Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a ski accident at Steamboat Resort or any Colorado ski area, contact Eddington Law today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions—with no obligation and no cost to you.

Don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence disappears, deadlines approach, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately. The sooner you contact us, the better we can serve you.

Call our Steamboat Springs office: (970) 870-9870
Call our Denver office: (303) 815-1585
Or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

With over 35 years of experience representing ski accident victims throughout Colorado, we have the knowledge, resources, and commitment to help you get the compensation you deserve. We’re here when you need us most.

Eddington Law – Steamboat Springs Office
1205 Hilltop Pkwy, Suite 101,
Steamboat Springs, C0 80487
(970) 870-9870

Denver Office
1391 N Speer Blvd #350,
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 815-1585