Legal Question in Entertainment Law in North Carolina
My wife was hit in the hand by an errant golf ball while walking down a public street, on the sidewalk which was adjacent to a private golf course. Is the golf course liable for damages such as hospital bills?
1 Answer from Attorneys
These are difficult cases. I have represented a golf course that was sued for this type of claim. It won't hurt to make a claim to the golf course and see if they will cover the bills. If the injuries are significant, then you probably need to consult with a lawyer, ideally one with expertise in this area, and there aren't many. Golf course claims involved very specific issues, such as whether the golf course was negligently designed, and whether other similar incidents have occurred. Golf courses can use devices such as nets (subject to aesthetics and other concerns) to prevent this type of injury, as well as re-designing holes. The ultimate issue is whether the golf course was negligent, and sometimes it's difficult to predict and control where a ball will go.