Roughly 47,000 golfers suffer injuries on golf courses each year. These injuries range from sprains and strains to broken bones and burns. A round of golf can turn into more than just a walk in the park when negligence and defective products come into play.
Common Causes of Golf Related Injuries
Golf Carts
On average, 15,000 golfers a year are injured in golf cart accidents. As the speeds of these machines (up to 25 mph) has increased, so too have the risks involved in using them. Rollovers account for nearly 10% of all accidents, and nearly 1/3 of those who are injured are children. Reckless and negligent operation by the driver and improperly maintained pathways and landscaping are the most common reasons for golf cart injuries.
Errant Balls
The velocity of a ball hit by an average golfer can exceed 180 mph; an experienced golfer may be able to drive one at well over 200 mph. Negligent golfers driving a ball towards unsuspecting players down the course can cause serious injuries including broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.
Defective Equipment
Defective equipment can include poorly manufactured clubs whose heads break off and become projectiles. It can also include landscaping machinery such as lawn mowers or ball retrievers that malfunction causing injury to players.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls account for a significant number of injuries. These can occur when course landscaping such as fairways, pathways, sidewalks, etc., are improperly maintained.
Liability for Golf Related Injuries
Assigning liability for a golf related injury requires determining the cause of the injury. For example, a golf cart manufacturer could be held liable for injuries caused by a malfunctioning brake, steering, or propulsion system. Similarly, a golf club manufacturer could be held liable for producing clubs with a known defect, such as deficient welds or substandard materials.
Should an accident involve a drunk golf cart driver, liability could be assigned to the driver who caused the accident. However, under Nevada’s “dram shop law” the course cannot be held liable for overserving a guess who then causes an alcohol related accident unless the driver is under the age of 21.
Finally, liability can be assigned for injuries caused by negligent golfers who cause injuries after disregarding posted rules and guidelines for play. In all cases, injured golfers and their best personal injury attorney in Las Vegas can pursue claims for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and diminished capacity following a golf related injury.
