Tobogganing Risks At Indoor Ski Centres

Can You Make a Personal Injury Claim?

While you can enjoy the rush of speeding down a snowy slope all year round, there are tobogganing risks at indoor ski centres. Generally, these tobogganing experiences are offered in a controlled setting, but accidents may still happen.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently fined an indoor skiing company following the death of a young teen which happened during a birthday party at the centre. The HSE investigation found that the company did not have a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Furthermore, it found that the company failed to ensure the safety of its customers.

If you’ve suffered an injury due to negligence or unsafe conditions, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. At Jefferies Claims, we work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis who can assess your case.

What Kind of Injuries Can Happen When Tobogganing?

While tobogganing is generally a fun and safe activity, it does carry some risks. You may experience some minor bruises and cuts which heal quickly, However, here are more serious injuries which may occur:

Sprains and Strains

A sudden jolt, an awkward landing, or trying to break your fall with your hands can lead to sprained wrists, twisted ankles, or even pulled muscles. These injuries can take weeks to fully recover from, sometimes requiring physiotherapy.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Collisions with other riders, barriers, or perhaps an awkward fall may result in broken bones. Wrists, arms, and collarbones are vulnerable in this type of incident as people instinctively try to catch themselves when they fall.

Head Injuries and Concussions

Hitting your head on the hard surface of a slope can lead to a concussion or more serious brain injury. Helmets are often recommended, or may be a strict requirement in some venues to prevent these kinds of injuries.

Back and Spinal Injuries

A particularly bad fall or high-speed collision can lead to back injuries. Although rare, this may result in slipped discs or even spinal cord damage.

What Causes Tobogganing Accidents?

Tobogganing risks at indoor ski centres may include:

• Lack of supervision – If staff members aren’t properly monitoring participants, you might engage in reckless behaviour, increasing the risk of collisions and falls.
• Faulty equipment – A damaged or poorly maintained toboggan can make it harder to control your ride, leading to accidents.
• Slippery or uneven surfaces – Indoor snow parks maintain artificial slopes, but if they are not properly maintained, you could hit an unexpected bump or icy patch.
• Other participants – Sometimes, it’s not your fault at all. Another reckless rider crashing into you can lead to serious injuries.
• Poor instructions – If staff members don’t properly explain how to use the equipment safely, riders might make avoidable mistakes that lead to injury.

Can I Make a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve been injured while tobogganing at an indoor snow centre, you might be wondering whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim. You may be eligible to make a claim if you can show that negligence played a role. This may include poor maintenance, lack of supervision, faulty equipment or a lack of safety measures.

Another factor regarding making a claim can be if you were injured due to another visitor’s reckless behaviour. In some cases, you may be entitled to claim against another person if they acted irresponsibly and caused your injury.

If you signed a waiver, this may complicate matters. But it doesn’t mean you can’t claim at all, particularly if you suffered an injury because of negligence by someone else.

How to Claim For Compensation

If you believe your injury was due to negligence, you will need to obtain your medical records, including treatment and costs. You should also ensure the injury is reported to the centre and record the accident in their logbook.

Additionally, if there were witnesses, get their contact details. You should also take photos of the scene and your injury.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our friendly team at Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.