Skiing accidents abroad claims

Skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are a popular activity for a great many people. This is an activity which people often participate in around the early part of the year (usually after Christmas) and is enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Unfortunately, a great many people are injured in skiing accidents each year.

Skiing like many other sports is not without its risks but it is possible to sustain an injury due to the carelessness of another person.

Who is liable when on a skiing holiday abroad?

If you have booked a skiing holiday with a travel company then they are legally bound to protect you against an injury. But if they fail in some way then this is when an accident will occur.

This also applies to owners of ski resorts, ski schools and instructors, equipment manufacturers and other skiers.

Sustaining an injury as a result of a skiing accident can have a serious effect upon you and your family. It not only means pain and discomfort caused by your injury but the effect upon your holiday and lifestyle once you arrive home.

If you have to take time off work due to your injury or attend a hospital for outpatient treatment then this means a loss of earnings plus the inconvenience. You may also incur additional expenses such as physiotherapy.

Making a claim for compensation from a skiing accident abroad

If you have travel insurance then report your accident to your insurer. They can pay medical costs and make arrangements to send you home (known as repatriation) if necessary.

When you arrive home, report your injury to your GP. The reason for doing this is that you will be required to provide medical evidence if your claim goes to court. This evidence will take the form of a report.

Gather evidence about your accident.

Find a personal injury lawyer, claims management firm or solicitor to handle your claim for compensation. They should have someone who is trained in this type of compensation claim which is vital when dealing with the finer points of international law.

For more information about the claims process, visit our making a claim for compensation section.

Time limit for claiming compensation for a skiing accident abroad

A claim for compensation must be made within 3 years of the date of the accident.