Snow-related holiday injuries in context

Most people tend to think of skiing as not only one of the most dangerous sports out there but also as one of the most likely sources of a holiday injury.

At first glance this would seem to be true. Every year, thousands of skiers return injured from the slopes, some with injuries so serious they have no choice but to make holiday accident compensation claims.

Yet a closer examination of the contexts of skiing injuries reveals a more complex and ambiguous picture.

Firstly, there is the matter on injury incidence. It is surprising to learn that two of the UK's national sports, rugby and football, both have higher injury rates than skiing. While it is typical for players from teams of these contact sports to regularly receive injuries, the chances of suffering an injury requiring medical attention while skiing are roughly three in one thousand.

Dr Michael Langran, an expert in skiing and snowboarding holiday injuries, explains why it is wrong of us to view snow sports as more dangerous than rugby or football, "How many players normally sustain an injury within the space of 90 minutes? Let's say three out of 22, which equates to 14 per cent. That is at least 35 times the injury rate of skiing and snowboarding over a much smaller time frame. Think football's a dangerous sport? No, of course not. Well, it's more risky than skiing or snowboarding."

There is also a persuasive argument claiming that water-related holiday sports are more dangerous than those that take place on the slopes, and pose an even greater risk to human life. For example, while around 40 people were killed in skiing/snowboarding-related accidents in France this past winter (2007-2008), figures show us that around 300 died in swimming-related accidents in France during the summer 2008.

Claiming compensation for a holiday injury
We work hard in the UK, and when we go on holiday, we deserve it. Suffering an injury while we should be playing, relaxing and unwinding can change the whole perspective of a year, particularly if it is of a serious nature.

At YouClaim we help those who have been injured as a result of another party's actions claim the compensation they deserve.

Our no win, no fee solicitors are UK leaders in the field of holiday injury claim litigation and are ready to help you, all at absolutely no cost.

Win or lose, we will not charge you as we claim all costs back from the opposing side and use ATE insurance to guard against costs in the minority of cases we lose.

Our success rate is excellent, ensuring your claim has the best possible chance of success, while we also uphold the very highest professional standards, as reflected in our membership of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

To make a claim with us today, simply fill out a claim form online, request a callback, or call us now on 0800 10 757 95.