Keystone Resort Colorado: Signs of a Minor Concussion

Concussions can result in a skiing collision even though the victim is wearing a helmet. When a skiers and snowboarders collide they may have helmet to helmet contact, the downhill skier may have his her head whipped backwards or may be slammed into the slope.

The result in terms of brain damage is that the snowboarder’s brains will continue to move forward even as the skull stops and is pulled back in a whiplash motion, causing a minor to severe impact between the soft mass of the brain and the hard shell of the skull. This causes a concussion. Helmets can reduce the severity but the technology to eliminate concussions doesn’t exist. 

Concussions can be either minor or severe – the former usually alleviates itself with rest; the latter may require immediate medical care.

Signs of a minor concussion may include the following.

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Minor confusion
• Seeing imaginary flashing lights
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Brief loss of consciousness
• Amnesia
• The inability to think clearly or concentrate

Don’t downplay any of these symptoms! If any symptoms persist, or if you notice any of the changes above in a loved one following an accident, tell your doctor. In fact, always seek medical evaluation following an accident, even if you feel fine.

Keystone Resort Colorado Snowboarder Collision: Symptoms of a Severe Concussion

A severe concussion requires immediate medical treatment. Some can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage. The symptoms of a severe concussion are typically much easier to identify.

• Unevenly sized pupils (one will be more dilated than the other)
• Seizures or spasms
• Uncontrollable vomiting that doesn’t cease
• Trouble walking or maintaining balance
• Unconsciousness that lasts for a long time (the person cannot be woken)
• Severe confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Abnormal eye movements

Keystone Resort Colorado Snowboarder Collision: Treating a Concussion

Treatment will largely depend on the severity of the concussion, as well as any other injuries the victim has suffered. Minor injuries may require no treatment other than rest. However, more severe injuries may require a hospital stay for observation. In some cases surgery may be necessary if there is a skull fracture or other serious injuries also present. Post concussive syndrome symptoms can overlap the symptoms of a minor traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Getting the appropriate care, usually a neurologist is key. 
Patients may need to avoid strenuous activities and skiing or snowboarding for a few weeks during recovery. Patients should follow all restrictions outlined by their doctor.

Keystone Resort Colorado Skiing Collision: Who’s Liable for Your Concussion?

If you or a loved one suffered a concussion from a skiing collision at Keystone Resort or any other ski area in Colorado that resulted in costly medical bills or permanent loss of function, you should seek compensation for damages.

If someone else’s irresponsible actions – skiing or snowboarding out of control, not giving the right of way to the downhill rider or any other code violation, you may hold that party liable. You may recover damages in the form of medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and more. I can guide you through your compensation options, and provide you with more information about how to prove the liability of the person who caused you harm.

Speak With the Ski Lawyer Today

After you’ve been in an accident and sustained an injury like a concussion, the last thing you want to do is have to file an insurance claim or take legal action. I can handle the injury claim so you can focus on recovery.

To get started on pursuing your personal injury claim, contact me, D.J. Banovitz, at (303) 300-5060 or dj@theskilawyer.com or fill out the form below.