Compensation After a Ski Accident in Austria

- What damages are covered?

A ski accident can have serious consequences — medically, financially, and legally. Many injured skiers are unsure which costs can be reimbursed and how compensation claims are enforced in Austria.

We support you in asserting your rights — whether you live in Austria or are affected as a tourist or visitor from abroad.

Pain and suffering (“Schmerzensgeld”)

If you were injured in a ski accident and have a valid compensation claim, you are entitled to damages for pain and suffering. The amount depends on the severity of the injury and the pain associated with it.

Typical factors include:

• compensation for the pain endured and limitations suffered

• the amount depends on the duration and intensity of the injury

• the final amount is usually assessed with the help of medical experts

How much pain and suffering compensation can you expect?

• approx. EUR 2,500 for bruising and minor injuries

• approx. EUR 5,000 for standard fractures and whiplash-type injuries

• approx. EUR 15,000 – EUR 25,000 for more severe ligament injuries

• approx. EUR 50,000 and more for serious multiple injuries

Medical costs / treatment expenses

After a ski accident, substantial medical costs may arise, for example for:

• doctor’s visits

• medication

• hospital stays and surgery

• rehabilitation measures

• medical aids (orthopaedic devices, crutches, braces, etc.)

In many cases, health or travel insurance covers part of these costs. However, deductibles can quickly amount to several hundred or even thousands of euros. These out-of-pocket amounts are also recoverable.

Rescue and recovery costs

Rescue from a snowy area can be expensive, especially if a helicopter evacuation is required. Costs often reach the four-figure range. These expenses can usually be claimed as well.

Loss of earnings

An accident may lead to temporary or permanent loss of income — for example if you can no longer work overtime, or if you are self-employed.

Loss of earnings is compensated either as a lump-sum payment or, in cases of long-term impairment, through a lifelong pension.

Property damage (equipment damage)

Damage to skis, gear, or personal belongings is also compensable. This includes repair or replacement costs, as well as any ski pass you already paid for but can no longer use.

Household help and care costs

If you need care or assistance in your household because of your injuries, these costs are recoverable too. Compensation may be granted per hour of care or household help, up to EUR 20 per hour.

This can apply, for example, if due to a serious injury you can no longer dress yourself, someone has to cook and run the household for you, or you require transport to work or medical appointments.

Taken together, these claims often amount to tens of thousands of euros.. 

Who pays? — An overview of insurance coverage

The party that caused the accident must primarily compensate the damage — typically another skier or the ski resort. In practice, ski resorts are almost always insured, and most skiers have one of the following insurance policies, which then covers the loss:

• liability insurance of the person who caused the accident

• your own accident insurance

• health insurance / travel health insurance

• ski resort operator’s insurance if the resort breached its duty to secure the slopes

Free initial assessment

Describe your accident to us online — we will get back to you within 24 hours.

• advice in German and English

• via video conference, phone, email, or in person

• we also represent tourists and foreign visitors

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