Not all hazards are ‘part of the game’

All Practice Areas

Golfing is game that those who play take seriously in New Jersey. If you ask any golfer, they may say that there is nothing more rewarding than hitting that perfect shot. The feeling starts when the club goes back and ends when the ball stops rolling. A great game can leave a golfer positively elated for the rest of the day.  On the other hand, the game can be one of the most frustrating. It questions the patience and the nerves of the golfer. One thing that can throw a game off is a hazard such as a sand trap. While these types of hazards may cause frustration, there are some that are even more dangerous -- and ones that a golf course may be liable for.  Some hazards are not only hidden but can lead to serious injury. A golf course has a duty to maintain the premises not just for aesthetic reasons. Slip and fall accidents can happen when a cart path is uneven or a bridge is rotten. Did you also know that the way a golf course is designed could rise to liability? For example, what if hole 5 is too close to hole 6 and golf balls are constantly flying into the path of other golfers? What if a golfer is struck by one of these balls? What about yardage markers that don't accurately represent the claimed distance? In one jurisdiction, a man was held liable for striking another with a golf ball. He then filed suit against the golf club for negligently placing yardage markers that were inaccurate and misleading. The court decided in his favor. Have you been injured and are unsure of whether or not someone else may be responsible for damages? Personal injury attorneys not only help advocate for a victim, but they can help advocate in situations that are not as obvious. Source: The New York Times, "The Intersection of Golf and the Law," Bill Pennington, June 23, 2013