Golf Course Accidents

Who’s To Blame?

Various parties may be held liable for golf course accidents, depending on the context and facts of the incident. Our personal injury lawyers at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, diligently investigate every case to identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable for damages. 

Golf Course Owners And Operators

For example, golf course owners and operators have a duty of care far greater than the golfers who use their courses. Under premises liability laws, property owners and tenants must ensure their properties are reasonably safe for visitors. 

At the golf course, this might mean:

• Reasonably safe walking areas
• Reasonably safe golf cart paths
• Reasonable security measures
• Properly functioning rental equipment
• Adherence to best management practices for golf courses

It may also encompass the facilities available for golfers at a course, including shower and changing facilities and dining and lounging areas. 

Golf Cart And Equipment Makers

Golfers use various types of equipment and machinery. Among them are:

• Golf carts
• Golf clubs
• Golf balls
• Golf bags 

When golf equipment is defective, the result can involve more than a poor golf score. Serious injuries may result when equipment and machinery do not work as expected. When this occurs, the product maker may be liable for damages. 

In cases involving defective products, parties may be held strictly liable, including:

• Designers
• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Retailers

Product makers may also be held liable for breach of warranty. Regardless of the theory of liability, victims of golf course accidents are strongly advised to retain an experienced golf course lawyer to represent them. 

Other Golfers

For many, golf may not seem like a dangerous sport. However, a negligent golfer on the course can potentially injure or even kill another golfer or a staff member. Errantly hit balls, failed tee-off warnings, and inebriated golfing all cause serious accidents regularly. Victims can hold these negligent golfers liable for damages. 

What To Do If Involved In A Golf Course Or Golf Cart Accident

If you have the unfortunate experience of being involved in a golf accident, you should strongly consider taking the following steps for your own safety and to protect your claim to damages:

Get Medical Treatment

Medical treatment is paramount to prevent further injury and preserve your claim for compensation. It is always strongly advised that golf course injury victims seek prompt medical care, which may involve much more than what is offered at the golf course. 

Get Photos And Video Footage

If you or someone you trust is able, take ample photos and video footage of the accident scene and surrounding grounds. Every bit of photographic and video footage you can get will be helpful to your Paradise attorney, including footage and shots of:

• Any carts or equipment involved
• Various angles of the accident scene
• Parties to the accident
• Witnesses

You may also want to note whether others are filming the accident scene, which is common. These individuals might have valuable footage that your attorney can use later for your case.

Get Witness Statements And Contact Information

Witness statements are powerful evidence in personal injury cases. However, when gathered long after an incident, their reliability becomes suspect. Capturing fresh witness statements on video, audio, or paper can effectively keep witness testimony valuable for your case.

Make sure to gather contact details from witnesses as well, including name, phone number, and email address. Your attorney may need this information later as your case progresses. 

Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer

After the initial trauma, injury, and treatment, contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer is important. Golf course accident victims need an advocate to fight for them as soon after the incident as possible. 

Your attorney’s only job is to make liable parties pay for injuring you. While you receive care and treatment for your golf course injuries, your lawyer will be engaged in various tasks to recover your compensation, including:

• Investigating the accident
• Consulting with golf course accident experts
• Retrieving valuable evidence from the accident scene
• Negotiating a proper settlement award
• Managing all legal paperwork and forms
• Representing you at trial when necessary

Remember, acting quickly will keep your claim from expiring. Nevada’s statute of limitation for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years. 

Safety Trumps All

Those who put safety first typically have the lowest incidence of involvement in accidents, whether they’re golf course owners or other golfers. But when your safety is put at risk, a lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need.

Sources:

Nevada Golf Industry Best Management Practices Guide (2019).
NRS 11.190 4(e).
NRS 695E.090.