What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death suit is a lawsuit brought by a family member of the deceased victim against the person or company who caused the death. In the case of a wrongful death caused by an accident while skiing, the victim¿s family would bring suit against the ski resort or slope operators. If the accident was caused by a party not affiliated with the ski resort, it may also be possible to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party (e.g., another ski patron).
Can I Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Fatal Skiing Accident?
You can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in connection with a fatal skiing accident as long as the accident was due to the negligence of the ski resort or its employees. Although it used to be difficult to bring such a lawsuit against a ski resort, it is now possible to sue the resort or its employees for negligently caused damages. Generally, these lawsuits can only be brought by immediate family members of the victim. Some states allow extended family members to bring suit as well.
What if the Ski Resort Claims the Victim Signed a ¿Release Form?¿
An obstacle that the family of a ski accident victim may encounter is the ski area owner¿s claim that they limited their liability by having the deceased skier sign a release form. However, you may not be bound by the release form because many states do not consider release forms enforceable.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If your loved one died due to a skiing accident and you feel the ski resort was negligent, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer immediately to learn more about preserving your rights and remedies. A lawyer can explain the value of your case and help you navigate the complicated legal process. |
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