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On Wednesday, January 10, a major storm with serious wind gusts moved into the Lake Tahoe region. According to reports, this storm system prompted an unexpected avalanche at Palisades Tahoe at around 9:30 A.M.
Wind gusts were reported to be going up to 38 miles per hour at the time of the incident. The resort had only just opened 30 minutes prior to this serious incident, and it was the first time the lift was opened for the season. Reports suggest that the staff were well informed regarding the weather conditions, and they were all doing the best they could to maintain safety before and after the avalanche.
Immediately following the avalanche, which spanned about 150 feet wide, the area closed down. Search crews were deployed to look for survivors, and the police were called out to the scene.
Sadly, one male was fatally injured in the avalanche. Another individual was treated for a lower leg injury, while two other individuals were treated for other unspecified injuries. No one else is considered missing at this time.
Ski patrols confirmed that they had been out on the slopes for several days checking avalanche conditions, watching for the weather, setting up safety markings, and getting prepared for the week’s opening. No unsafe conditions were mentioned in any reports, and the exact cause of the avalanche is still being investigated currently.
Employees at the resort remember a similar incident that occurred back in March of 1982. That season, seven people, including several employees, were fatally injured in an avalanche at the resort.
Ski Resort Safety: Do You Have Legal Recourse After an Accident?
When a life is tragically lost, the loved ones often have to unexpectedly deal with a host of financial losses. These losses might come in the form of burial costs, expenses associated with settling the individual’s estate, a loss of financial support, and more.
In some limited circumstances, when the death is the result of someone else’s negligence, the loved ones of the victim can pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Can you seek compensation after a fatal avalanche at a ski resort? This question is very difficult to answer since these types of situations are considered exceedingly rare, but there have been similar legal cases in the past. In 2020, for instance, a lawsuit was taken out after a similar premature opening happened on a day with wind gusts exceeding 100 mph and a fatal avalanche occurred.
Most ski resorts have specific language in their contracts that protects them from liability in these types of situations. Since skiing is an outdoor recreational activity involving snow, it’s often stated in the contract that an avalanche or similar type of accident is an inherent risk that skiers take on when they choose to participate in the activity. That said, it might still be possible to seek a claim when the ski resort acted negligently and failed to properly warn guests about a dangerous situation.
If you’ve experienced an injury at a ski resort or you’ve recently lost a loved one in an accident you think was someone else’s fault, then it’s best to get in touch with a lawyer to learn more about your options.
Schedule a meeting with our team if you have any legal questions about your recent incident.
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