Despite being one of the flattest states in America, Illinois has a surprising number of ski resorts. From Chestnut Mountain Resort to Villa Olivia, you can find quality skiing opportunities just a few hours from Chicago. As with any winter sport, skiing can cause serious injuries. You can help reduce your risk of suffering a skiing injury in Illinois by following some simple guidelines outlined below by the Chicago personal injury lawyers from Lerner and Rowe.
Most Common Skiing Injuries in Illinois
Depending on your skill level and which slopes you choose, skiing can cause a variety of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common skiing injuries in Illinois include:
- Knee injuries, such as MCL or ACL tears
- Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash and skier’s thumb
- Broken bones
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
While these injuries can be serious or even deadly, with some precautions, many of these ski injuries are avoidable.
7 Ways To Prevent a Skiing Injury in Illinois
- Take lessons
Whether you’re a beginner or a bit out of practice, taking lessons is always a good idea. A certified instructor can guide you through proper techniques, helping you steer clear of common mistakes.
- Ski within your limits
One of the best ways to prevent a skiing injury in Illinois is to ski within your limits. Know your own skill level and be honest about what you can and can’t do on the slopes. Start slow and work your way up.
- Know how to fall and get back up
Falling while skiing can be dangerous and might result in devastating injuries like paralysis. The key to preventing a skiing injury in Illinois? Learn how to fall and get back up again! Learn to fall safely by landing on your bottom, not extending your hands. Fall sideways, not between your skis. To get up, keep close to your skis, use one hand for support, shift your weight onto the skis, and stand up with a push from your legs, using ski poles for support.
- Have the right safety gear
Proper safety gear can mean the difference between a close call and a trip to the emergency room. No matter your skill level, all skiers should have:
- Properly sized skis, boots, and bindings
- Basic protective gear, including helmet, tinted goggles, sunscreen, a snowsuit and other winter clothing
Ski resorts offer rental services. Make sure to inspect rental gear for any signs of wear and tear that could affect their performance. If you think your skis, poles, or helmet may be defective or incorrectly fitted, speak up—it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- Warm up your muscles
Before hitting the slopes, warm up your muscles with some light cardio and core exercises to get your body primed for action. This simple step can make a world of difference in preventing injuries.
- Take breaks
Listen to your body and take breaks throughout the day to avoid fatigue and maintain focus. Make sure to pack snacks and water to keep your energy levels up and avoid dehydration.
- Follow the Skier Responsibility Code
One of the most important things to keep in mind when skiing is the skier responsibility code. These guidelines are designed to promote safety and courtesy on the slopes. This checklist will help you ensure that you’re keeping yourself and others safe. Following these guidelines will help prevent a skiing injury in Illinois.
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Who Is Liable for a Skiing Accident in Illinois?
Many ski resorts require releases before issuing a ski pass or using their gear. Most people don’t read these forms or don’t understand the legalese they contain. Many of these required forms involve signing away your right to sue if you suffer a ski resort injury.
If you’re injured on the slopes, getting compensation can be tricky. An experienced ski accident lawyer can navigate the legal maze and understand your options, whether the culprit was another skier, faulty equipment, or even poorly maintained terrain.
Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’re hitting the slopes this winter, it’s important to follow these tips to help prevent a skiing injury in Illinois. No matter what, accidents can always happen. If your ski accident was caused by a negligent resort manager or reckless skier, it’s important to investigate all legal avenues thoroughly by contacting a Chicago personal injury attorney at Lerner and Rowe.
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys are available 24/7 for those who have suffered a skiing injury in Illinois. To find out if you may have a personal injury case, contact our offices by calling 708-222-2222.
Our compassionate and dedicated legal team will schedule your free, no obligation case review to help you decide whether pursuing a claim is right for you. You can also talk to a representative online right now through LiveChat, or send us the details of your case for review by filling out this simple form.
We’ve helped thousands of clients obtain the financial compensation they deserve after an injury accident. We can help you, too. Learn more about our billion dollar results. Remember, you don’t pay us anything unless we make a recovery on your behalf.