All About Snowboarding Injuries
If you’re wondering about common snowboarding injuries and what to do if you’re hurt, you’ve come to the right place. Snow-sports like skiing and snowboarding are fun, exciting ways to get exercise. Unfortunately, they also come with their fair share of inherent risks. Since Colorado is home to so many prime skiing and snowboarding spots, we see a lot of snowboarding injuries. Like any other sport, awareness and preparation are essential. Serious injury can result in enormous medical bills, considerable pain, and loss of an active lifestyle. According to Current Sports Medicine Reports (2017-2018):
•More than 9 million people participated in snowboarding or skiing
•Snowboarders are more likely to sustain acute injury than skiers
•Snowboarders suffer more upper-extremity injuries than skiers
•Snowboarders suffer more shoulder, neck, humerus, and abdominal injuries than skiers
Snowboarding has seen a significant rise in popularity, while skiing remains more stable. As people enjoy this sport more and more, it’s important to be aware of the risks and know your rights.
Snowboarding Injuries: Knee and ACL
A snowboarding injury can happen to anyone. But there are a few contributing factors that might make you more susceptible.
Common snowboarding injuries can be caused by:
•Improper or faulty equipment
•Ski resort negligence
•Collisions with other parties
•Snowboarding beyond your skill level
•Snowboarding while fatigued
The most common snowboarding injuries are lower extremity injuries – specifically, knee injuries. Good snowboard boots and bindings can help support your knees and offer necessary protection. A snowboarder can do knee exercises before hitting the slopes. Getting your body ready for split-second reactions and maneuvers is excellent preparation. Also, wearing suitable knee pads and equipment can help prevent knee injury.
Snowboarding Injuries: Shoulder
Another common snowboarding injury is the shoulder, specifically: dislocation, fracture, or separation. Landing incorrectly can lead to any of these situations, so learning to fall correctly is critical. Shoulder injuries can be painful, make everyday activities difficult, and interfere with your overall quality of life. Wearing shoulder protection and teaching yourself to fall properly can go a long way in preventing serious shoulder injury. Since it’s impossible to avoid falls completely, try practicing sport-specific movements that train you to fall safely.
Spinal Injuries
Snowboarding is a challenging sport with a lot of creativity and variation. For those who incorporate jumps into their routine, spinal injury is a potential risk. Jumping is the leading cause of spinal injury in snow-boarders. The second and third causes are falling and overuse. To prevent spinal injury, it’s best to engage in plenty of jump practice. When you educate yourself on proper technique and try your jumps in safe places, you’re better prepared to give them a go on the slopes.
Colorado Ski & Snowboard Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in a ski or snowboarding accident, an attorney can help determine whether you qualify for damages. Colorado snowboard accident attorneys are here to discover whether your accident was a result of someone else’s negligence. We’re familiar with snow sport in jury cases, and we’re here to assist with any questions you might have.
Injured Ribs FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the Colorado Ski Safety Act?
The Colorado Ski Safety Act of 1979 protects ski area operators. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue compensation for your snowboarding injuries. A professional snowboard accident lawyer can examine your case to determine if negligence occurred in your particular case.
What to do if you’re injured in a snowboarding accident?
If you’ve been injured, seek professional medical help immediately. Just like a car accident, the steps you take after the incident are critical, especially if you plan to seek damages. Report your accident to ski patrol, collect contact information of anyone involved or any witnesses, and hold on to the evidence. This might include photos of your snow-boarding equipment, clothes, and anything else that seems relevant.
How can a snowboard accident attorney help?
Notably, an expert Colorado snowboard accident attorney can help you discover whether you have a case. Our lawyers are familiar with the ins and outs of snow sport injury and how negligence factors in. Don’t assume that the Colorado Ski Safety Act prevents you from seeking damages. If you or someone you love has snowboarding injuries, call us today. Our experienced lawyers help accident victims in Colorado. We hold negligent parties accountable and ensure high-value results for you. While you heal from your injuries, we’ll assist with the critical post-accident steps to ensure the best outcome for you.
