Skiing is not a contact sport
Practice Areas
Colorado’s Original Ski Lawyers
Jim Chalat, founding partner of Chalat Hatten & Banker, has been considered a trailblazer in ski law since the 1980s. For over 30 years, he has successfully represented hundreds of skiers in their accident claims for injured skiers and ski lift passengers, including taking several record verdicts and settlements.
Ski and snowboard cases, primarily collision cases, is a niche practice area within our law firm and one that each of our firm’s partners specializes in. We provide unparalleled legal representation in ski accident and snowboard accident related injuries. Each lawyer’s extensive knowledge of ski law, medicine, and litigation is why we have handled more ski injury cases than any firm in the U.S. and is reflected in record verdicts and settlements we have achieved for our clients.
We represent clients of all ages and ability levels from around the globe.
If you were injured in a ski or snowboarding collision, hurt due to malfunctioning or improperly maintained ski lifts or other equipment, or from the negligence or dereliction of duty by a ski resort, contact us for a 100% free consultation. Our ski accident attorneys will explain your rights, provide you straight answers to your legal questions and guide you through the process with care and compassion.
Verdicts and Settlements
Client Testimonials
I retained Jim after a ski accident collision in Colorado. I was hit while skiing and suffered a mild traumatic brain injury, broken ribs, and a partially collapsed lung. I hired Jim and that was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life! Jim was compassionate, objective, fair, considerate, and intelligent. He is an expert in Colorado personal injury law and is extremely knowledgeable about consequences of brain injury. He advocated for the best outcome in my case and I always felt that he was 100% on my side. Let’s hope I’m never in another accident in Colorado; however, if I was, I’d hire Jim in a second. He is an incredible attorney and a wonderful, intelligent, compassionate human being.
My wife and I couldn’t have gone through our complicated ski injury lawsuit without the help and support from Mr. and Mrs. Chalat and their entire organization. We are forever grateful for their help!
Outstanding, Professional! After skiing for 40+ years, I was injured by a careless snowboarder and hospitalized. Attorney Russell Hatten carefully reviewed my case, assembled my medical bills, and discovered and sued their insurance company. He organized and handled all matters with care and excellent preparation… Recovered and now able to ski again! Can’t thank him and this firm enough and wholeheartedly 100% recommend his firm. Thank You!
Ski Accident FAQ
Do I Need a Ski Accident Lawyer?
Skiing and snowboarding accidents often result in serious and catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, and more. Consequently, ski injury victims oftentimes find themselves suffering from serious financial and other non-economic losses, such as loss of enjoyment of life. Anyone who finds themselves in this position may be entitled to compensation.
In addition, many states have laws that are specific to skiing. And, some states even have statutes that will control a case when a skier has been injured.
If you have been injured while skiing or if you were hit by another skier, your best outcome will be achieved by retaining an attorney who not only specializes in ski law, but also skis, knows the trails and terrain at the Colorado ski areas, and has experience in ski accident reconstruction. Personal injury attorneys who primarily handle auto accidents or workers compensation cases, for example, typically do not have the experience or expertise one needs to build a strong ski or snowboard accident case.
Jim Chalat, the senior attorney at Chalat Hatten & Banker, is recognized as a national authority on ski law. Jim has authored dozens of articles, published over 20 law review articles and has contributed several chapters for law texts on the area of ski law. He has presented numerous CLE courses on ski law, appeared for national and local media on the topic, and has been invited to speak to professional and amateur ski patrols, the American Avalanche Institute and other industry groups.
As a result of Jim’s achievements, he has burgeoned a law firm of highly successful ski injury lawyers, each of whom also specializes in ski law, medicine, and litigation.
However, insurance companies can be notoriously difficult to deal with. Your main focus should be healing while letting our ski accident attorneys handle the fight.
Read an in-depth response to this question here.
Following a ski accident, keep your equipment and clothes for inspection by a forensic engineer. Also keep your ski pass or lift ticket. And if the accident was not your fault, contact a ski lawyer promptly. Ski area employees, including ski patrollers, tend to be seasonal workers and transient. Ski areas also vary trails and signage from year to year, and of course snow conditions vary dramatically. For the best evidence to be collected, the accident site should be inspected by a professional expert or your lawyer as soon after the accident as possible.