Ski Injuries: Skier’s Thumb
Skiers sustain many injuries but arguably the most common is skier’s thumb which occurs when skiers fall onto their hand while still holding their ski poles. Skier’s thumb can lead to intense pain, disability, and costly medical bills.
What is skier’s thumb?
Skier’s thumb is another name for an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This ligament in your thumb stabilizes the first joint of your thumb (the metacarpophalangeal joint, or MCP) and helps hold the thumb stable. When the ligament flexes too far in an accident, the ligament can stretch or rip completely.
Recovery from this injury can require surgery if the ligament is torn. Most skiers will require physical therapy and medications for pain and swelling while the thumb is immobilized. These costs can add up quickly.
What should I do if I think I have a skier’s thumb injury?
See an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible if you fall while holding your ski poles and injure your thumb. The doctor can give you a prognosis for treatment and recovery that will be important if you decide to file an injury claim later. Indeed, you have ten (10) days to have surgery if torn. Otherwise, you will require a cadaver ligament.
If you believe another skier, resort employee, or the resort itself might be liable for your injury, contact a Colorado ski accident attorney from Sears & Associates, P.C. While personal mistakes cause many of these injuries, when another person or business’s negligence is the cause, you have the right to pursue an injury claim.
Once you start treatment, do not stop it until your doctor says you have fully recovered. This can jeopardize your right to recover compensation.
While you recover, your attorney will look at the details of your accident and look for any potential negligence from other parties. The following are some ways another person’s negligence could lead to a skier’s thumb injury:
- Aggressive skiers striking you from above
- Defective rental equipment
- Failure to warn of unsafe conditions
- Ski instructors who are negligent
If your lawyer determines another person’s negligence caused the accident, s/he can collect evidence to prove the extent of your damages. Recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses, such as surgical costs (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability costs
- Lost earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Do Not Ignore Skier’s Thumb as a Minor Injury — Seek Help Today
If left untreated, skier’s thumb could impair your ability to manipulate your hand and end your career.
The damages from this seemingly small injury can be substantial, especially if it requires surgery to repair. Sears & Associates, P.C. is a ski injury law firm with locations in Vail and Colorado Springs. Let our attorneys review your case and answer your questions during a free consultation.
Call 719-471-1984 to get answers about your right to file a ski accident injury claim.
