Augusta, Georgia is known for their golf courses. Some people travel to Georgia for this very reason. And why wouldn’t they? The weather down there in the spring and fall is gorgeous. And Georgia has some of the nicest golf courses on the East Coast.
If you’ve even been golfing, you know there are certain rules you have to follow. Don’t drive your golf cart too fast. Yell “fore” if your ball flies in an errant direction. And be courteous to other golfers. As long as you follow these rules, you should have a good day on the links. However, there are some things that can make your day sub-par.
Believe it or not, hundreds of people suffer serious injuries while golfing every year. Thankfully, most of these injuries are rather minor. Someone gets hit in the head by an errant golf ball. Or, they whack themselves in the foot with their driver. These things happen all the time. They don’t warrant a lawsuit.
For others, however, the injuries aren’t that minor. If you or your spouse get seriously injured while golfing, you need to call an experienced personal injury lawyer in Augusta.
What Kind of Accidents or Injuries Happen at a Golf Course?
You’d be surprised to learn that dozens of people in Georgia suffer some pretty serious injuries while out on the golf course. Some of these are caused by other golfers. They could even be caused by people you’re playing golf with. Others, of course, are caused by strangers.
Some other injuries aren’t caused by golfers at all. They’re caused by golf course management (or lack thereof.) For the most part, golf courses are pretty safe environments. They’re set in open spaces and are almost always kept in pristine condition. But, like most other commercial enterprises, golf course owners like to cut corners. If it means they can save money and improve their bottom line, they may neglect to do things that can end up harming their guests.
Some of the more common types of golf course accidents and injuries include:
- Defective golf carts
- Unfilled holes on the course
- Golf cart accidents
- Get hit in the head or body with golf club
- Unsafe conditions in the clubhouse
For most of these, the golf course may be held liable. It depends on whether or not your Augusta personal injury lawyer can prove that they were negligent.
Who Would Be Responsible for Your Injuries?
The person responsible for your injuries really depends on the situation. If someone on the course hits an errant golf ball and fails to alert other players, they could be held liable. If this is the case, you can file suit against the individual. The golf course is not responsible for players who fail to follow the general rules and courtesies of golf.
For most other injuries, however, the owners or managers of the golf course would be the responsible party. There could also be other third parties that may be responsible. For example, if your golf cart is defective, you may get into an accident. The golf course owners could be liable since they allowed their guest to drive a defective golf course. However, the company that made the cart may also be responsible. If you can show a defect in the design or manufacture of the cart, you can name this other party in your lawsuit. Finally, the company that services or repairs the golf cart can also be named as a defendant.
Your Augusta personal injury attorney will make sure to name all potential defendants. This way, your chances of recovery are at their maximum.
Do Golf Courses Carry Insurance?
Golf courses are required to carry insurance. If anyone gets injured or killed while on their course, their insurance should cover any damages. However, as with any other insurance claim, the insurance company may not approve your claim. They may deny your claim for a variety of reasons.
If your claim is denied, your August injury lawyer will help you file an appeal. They will also file a lawsuit if they’re unable to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Augusta About Your Golf Course Injury
If you’re injured while on a golf course, you should call an experienced personal injury lawyer in Augusta. They can review your case and let you know what it may be worth. They can also let you know who the responsible parties may be.
Call Ted A. Greve & Associates today and schedule your free initial consultation. And remember – you pay nothing until you settle your case.
