The Most Common Ski Accident Injuries And Their Long-Term Effects

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A person skiing down a slope at high speeds.

Winter in Colorado brings with it the thrills and excitement of skiing down the many slopes at various ski resorts throughout the state. While skiing safety has improved over the years, with better gear and equipment, this high-speed sport’s risk of ski accidents and injuries is still a concern. 

The high impact of crashes and falls can lead to severe and life-changing skiing injuries with long-term effects. In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation from another party when they were negligent and caused your injuries with help from a ski accident attorney.    

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Head And Brain Injuries: Concussions And Traumatic Brain Injuries (Tbi)

Head and brain injuries are common in ski accidents since helmets are not mandatory for skiing in Colorado. People can hit trees, snow equipment, poles, and other people or bang their heads onto hard, packed snow. The long-term effects of concussions and TBI include:

  • Changes in personality
  • Mood swings
  • Motor coordination issues
  • Cognitive functioning impairments
  • Risk of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy)
  • Physical disabilities
  • Seizures

Broken Bones And Fractures: Common Injuries From Falls

Falling is quite common for new skiers and can even happen to experienced pros. Depending on the rate of speed when falling, ski accidents can lead to broken bones and fractures, including the arms and legs. Some of the long-term effects of these skiing injuries are:

  • Increased risk of osteoarthritis
  • Increased risk of future fractures and breaks in the same location
  • Psychological impacts of the accident, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression
  • Limited range of motion 
  • Improper healing requiring surgical intervention 

Knee Injuries: ACL Tears And Meniscus Damage

The most common ski injuries, accounting for almost half of all injuries, are knee injuries, mainly ACL and MCL tears and meniscus damage, according to Dr. Kolosky. This type of injury can result in pain, swelling, and other discomfort. In some instances, surgery can be required. Some potential long-term impacts include:

  • Increased risk of osteoarthritis
  • Increased risk of future knee injuries
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Mobility limitations
  • Inability to return to skiing

Shoulder Injuries: Dislocations And Rotator Cuff Tears

Shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff tears can occur from falls or crashing into other objects. This type of injury can require surgery and rehabilitative care. The long-term effects may include:

  • Recurring shoulder dislocations
  • Arthritis in the shoulder
  • Range of motion impacts
  • Chronic pain and stiffness
  • Generalized weakness
  • Can require making changes to daily routines

Spinal Injuries: Risks Of Spine And Back Injuries In Ski Accidents

Spine and back injuries can occur from impacts, as well as the twisting and turning movements during the accident. Injuries from these types of skiing accidents can have long-term impacts like:

  • Partial or full paralysis
  • Loss of sensation due to nerve damage
  • Bladder and bowel control issues
  • Chronic pain
  • Psychological impacts
  • Loss of mobility
  • Functional impairments
  • Physical disabilities

The Emotional And Psychological Impact Of Ski Accidents

Physical injuries are not the only injury people can experience from ski accidents. There are psychological injuries and emotional trauma that can also occur, including:

  • PTSD: When a ski accident is traumatic, people can develop PTSD. 
  • Fear: People can develop a fear of skiing because they are afraid of being injured again. 
  • Anxiety: People can become anxious when returning to the slopes and worry about the terrain or high speeds. 
  • Depression: In cases where a person cannot return to skiing, it can lead to depression. 
  • Frustration: People can experience frustration due to limitations and changes to their livelihood from skiing accidents. 
  • Social isolation: Some people will withdraw from family and friends because they feel embarrassed or want to avoid social settings where people might make fun of them. 
  • Survivor’s guilt: When more than one skier is injured during an accident, and there are catastrophic injuries or death, those who survived with fewer serious injuries can experience survivor’s guilt. 

Long-Term Effects Of Ski Injuries And What You Can Do

The long-term effects of ski injuries can alter the course of your life in an instant. You may find you can no longer walk or ski. You may have to deal with chronic pain and discomfort for the rest of your life. However, it is vital to remember you are not alone, and other people have been injured in ski accidents. 

Some people find individual therapy beneficial for addressing concerns and the emotional and psychological impacts of their injuries. Other people find group therapy and support groups beneficial for overcoming any new challenges and limitations. There can also be surgical options as advances in medicine are ongoing. 

From a legal perspective, when someone else is negligent and responsible for your injuries, there are specific legal actions you can take to seek monetary damages by filing a skiing injury claim. The extent of compensation does vary based on the severity of your injuries but can include:

  • Present and future lost wages
  • All medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitative costs, and medications
  • Alterations to your home due to physical limitations
  • Medical equipment
  • Mental health treatment
  • Pain and suffering

How Our Colorado Ski Accident Lawyers Can Help

Our Colorado ski accident lawyers have full knowledge of current state ski accident laws. We can help determine who should be responsible for your injuries. At Bachus & Schanker, we provide free, honest legal advice and offer our opinion on the best options for obtaining compensation for your skiing injuries.

Additionally, for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death cases, our Colorado personal injury law firm provides you with free access to our Victim’s Advocates, who help provide additional support during this difficult time. Our goal is to handle all the legal aspects and complexities of ski accident laws and injury claims while allowing you to focus on healing, recovery, and adjusting to any long-term impacts. 

Get Your Free Case Consultation Contact Our Ski Accident Injury Lawyers Today
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Sources:

Blevins, J. (2024). Analyzing 5 Years of Injuries, Crashes and Hit-and-Runs at Colorado Ski Areas. 

Hansman, H. (2024). How to Recover from Emotional Trauma Caused by Skiing.

Kolosky, D. (2023). Common Skiing Injuries: Q&A With Mickael Kolosky, DO.

Kyle opened Bachus & Schanker, with little more than a tiny, rented office and a lot of determination. Starting with less than $15,000, their business has grown into one of the largest, most well respected personal injury firms in the Colorado region. Kyle and his partner Darin Schanker are committed to understanding the circumstances confronting their clients, and ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable for damages they have caused.