Ski Accident Solicitor Issues Warning Ahead Of Winter Season
11/01/2011
A leading group of holiday accident solicitors has urged holidaymakers to take extra care on the slopes this winter, ahead of the start of the ski season.
Specialist travel lawyers from Irwin Mitchell have issued the warning to thrill-seekers this winter following a number of serious injuries and fatal accidents involving skiing and snowboarding last winter.
Demetrius Danas, a travel lawyer who specialises in skiing and snowboarding accidents, has noticed significant increases in the number of people being seriously injured in skiing accidents; including accidents caused by faulty equipment, unsafe or poorly marked routes, poor training, faulty equipment and accidents on sky lifts.
Mr Danas said: “Whilst it is important to stress that the majority of injuries sustained on the slopes are minor, when things do go badly wrong the impact that it has on the victims and their families both physically and emotionally can be devastating.
“This year we have seen a significant rise in people who have been very seriously hurt out on the slopes. As a firm, we are contacted day in and day out by people whose lives have been turned upside down as a result of injuries sustained through no fault of their own, and which could easily have been avoided.
“Some of our clients face a lifetime of painful physiotherapy and rehabilitation because of broken bones, seriously damaged ligaments and dangerous head and brain injuries.”
Mr Danas said that some of the injuries that he has come across have been so severe that they have had a serious impact on people’s lives.
Clive Wakeley, 49, was hit by a drunken ski instructor while on holiday in Bardonecchia, Italy, leaving him with a serious head injury that later saw him fall into a coma.
Nine months on, and despite months of rehabilitation, Mr Wakeley cannot speak, has lost the use of one arm, is confined to a wheelchair and has lost sight in one eye.
His injuries have meant that his wife, Joanne, has had to give up her career in order to support and care for him.
Travel solicitors at Irwin Mitchell are also acting for the family of Nigel Jackson, who was killed while skiing on Mont Blanc.
Mr Jackson was skiing on a marked piste when the ground collapsed under him. His body was found the next day in a ravine, buried under five metres of snow. It is believed that the poles marking the trail were placed too close to the edge of the slopes.
Mr Danas said: “It is vital that holidaymakers are made aware of the potential dangers of winter sports. We are frequently asked to help in tragic cases like the Jackson family’s where independent suppliers have failed to provide adequate safety measures to protect their customers.
“When booking through a reputable travel agent or tour operator, holidaymakers should be more confident that their activity provider has relevant safety accreditation and adequate insurance.
“We urge all holiday makers booking trips to research the safety credentials of any activity providers extremely thoroughly. Recommendations by fellow tourists, locals or friends cannot take into account hidden risks.
“It’s also important that holidaymakers ensure they follow the rules of the slopes and the etiquette surrounding ski lifts. This should help prevent collisions with other people which can cause very serious injuries such as broken bones, ligament damage and head injuries.
“We just hope that lessons can be learned from highlighting the recent deaths and serious injuries to ensure that no other family should have to suffer in the same way in the future."
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