With the winter months approaching, many in New England including Massachusetts will head to the slopes for a day or weekend ski trip. While this can be a lot of fun, it can also result in serious personal injury or even death. There is no question that skiing has inherent risks, but that should not excuse a ski resort from liability.
One thing that may limit the chances of recovery in a personal injury lawsuit is the waiver of liability most skiers are presented with when they get a lift ticket. The reason we use the term presented with, is because they do not often require skiers to actually sign anything. Instead, they say when you put the lift ticket on the zipper of your ski parka, you have effectively accepted the terms of the waiver. In many cases, the waivers will include a complete waiver of any liability on behalf of the ski area operators. This waiver can be very inclusive, and may even go so far as to include a waiver of liability for intentional conduct on behalf of employees. Continue reading