With just a few precious days of school vacation left, many Philadelphia families are headed for one of several excellent Pennsylvania ski areas located just a few hours' drive from Philadelphia. Exhilarating and fun, skiing and snowboarding can also be dangerous, sometimes fatal. Philadelphia residents should be aware that skiing and snowboarding accidents result in serious personal injury accidents every winter and should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their children.
The world was shocked last winter when British actress Natasha Richardson died from what appeared to be a minor head injury suffered when she fell during a ski lesson on the beginner's slope at a Quebec ski resort. Initially, Richardson appeared to be fine, joked about her fall and declined the ski patrol's recommendation that she see a doctor. Only an hour later Richardson began to feel unwell and was rushed to the local hospital where her health deteriorated rapidly. She was transferred to a major Canadian hospital, then flown to New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital where she died just two days after being injured. Survived by husband, actor Liam Neeson, and their two boys, aged 12 and 13, Richardson was just 45.
Although ruled a freak accident, head blows, even those too mild to cause a concussion, can result in serious internal trauma, say Philadelphia experts. Richardson died from an epidural hematoma caused when she bumped her head during her fall. Richardson was not wearing a ski helmet when she fell although the resort is now considering requiring helmets to prevent personal injury. Richardson's tragic death should serve as a warning to Philadelphia parents headed to the slopes this weekend. Even head traumas that appear to be mild can have life threatening consequences. If you or your child is injured skiing or snowboarding, an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney can determine if you are entitled to compensation.
