Golf-FAQ.com

who is responsible for damage caused by a golf ball

by Harry Zieme Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The Golf Club, the builder and the course designer are usually protected in the documents that are signed at closing. The homeowner usually assumes the risk of damage and may wish to insure against this event. Golfers may be responsible for damage but collecting is usually difficult and impractical.Mar 19, 2018

Full Answer

Who is responsible if a golfer hits a golf ball at home?

However, if the golfer intentionally or recklessly hits a ball at a home/car, then the golfer may be responsible. Also, there may be rules that members of golf clubs consent to be bound by that contractually put responsibility for damage on the golfer regardless of responsibility under tort law. Check the golf course rules.

What happens if you get hit by a golf ball?

If your home or car is hit and you are in the position of not knowing who hit the golf ball, you can ask the golf course if their insurance will pay for your damages, but typically this would be excluded.

Can a golf ball damage a car?

A golf ball, baseball, soccer ball, and others can all cause damage to a vehicle if they make contact with enough speed. It is not uncommon for a car to get hit by a ball at a sporting event or during the neighborhood pickup game.

Is it a duty to hit a golf ball in North Carolina?

Edgerton found a couple of North Carolina cases that are on point. “The general rule as stated by the North Carolina Supreme Court is that ‘it is the duty of a person hitting a golf ball to exercise ordinary care under existing circumstances for the safety of others…

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Who is at fault for golf ball damage?

There is clear California case law on these points of law. However, if the golfer intentionally or recklessly hits a ball at a home/car, then the golfer may be responsible.

Is a golfer responsible for damage?

After researching the topic, I came to a fairly clear legal conclusion: A golfer is generally not liable for injuries or damages due to an errant shot by the golfer, except in situations in which the golfer is negligent, reckless, or acting with intent.

Who is responsible for errant golf balls?

You may also have a claim against the driver of the errant golf ball. The courts have generally held that the driver of a golf ball is charged with the duty to exercise ordinary care for the safety of property and persons reasonably within the “range of danger.”

Is a golfer responsible for breaking a window?

While the golfer who broke your window should own up and take responsibility, she is not legally responsible for the damage if she was otherwise playing normally. Golfers need to take ordinary care when playing, but sometimes even the best golfers will hit a wild shot.

What happens if someone hits your golf ball?

Purpose of Rule: Rule 11 covers what to do if the player's ball in motion hits a person, animal, equipment or anything else on the course. When this happens accidentally, there is no penalty and the player normally must accept the result, whether favourable or not, and play the ball from where it comes to rest.

Who is responsible for damage caused by a golf ball in Florida?

Who is Liable if a Golf Ball Causes Damage? Another general concern is damage that may be done by errant golf balls. Generally speaking, the golf club, the builder, and the course designer are usually protected from liability from golf ball damage in the same documents described above.

What is an errant golf ball?

It's called errant golf ball liability when a stray golf ball hits someone's window or causes other damages unintentionally. “See how there's pieces missing on the stairs.

How do I protect my house from golf balls?

Plexiglass is kind of a do-it-yourself solution some golf course homeowners have decided best for them. With the Plexiglas, you can put sheets over your windows or doors. You can screw the plexiglass to the existing window frame to make it a complete solution that should block a golf ball from entering the home.

What happens if you hit someone with a golf ball UK?

If a golf ball has hit someone, the personal injury victim may be entitled to compensation. However, it does depend on the circumstances surrounding the case. For example, if the person in question did not check that the area was clear before striking the ball, they may be deemed liable.

What happens if you hit a house while playing golf?

You break a window, you pay for it. The flip side of that coin is that homeowners should bear responsibility for golf ball damage since they assumed obvious risk by deciding to purchase a home near a golf course. Additionally, homeowner's insurance may handle the damage.

Is there a home run in golf?

Home run – Hit one over everything & out of bounds. Worm Burner – A shot going a long way on the ground. Cup Sucker – Ball rims around the hole a few times and does not fall. Flop-flop – birdie (sound of bird's wings going flop-flop).

Who is liable for golf ball damage Australia?

"There are two parties liable for the damage in this situation. Firstly, there is the actual golfer who caused the damage - if they can be identified. But secondly, the person or body who allows the nuisance to occur from their neighbouring property is also liable. That means the golf club."

Who is responsible for hitting a golf ball at home?

However, if the golfer intentionally or recklessly hits a ball at a home/car, then the golfer may be responsible. Also, there may be rules that members of golf clubs consent to be bound by that contractually put responsibility for damage on the golfer regardless of responsibility under tort law. Check the golf course rules.

What happens if you live on a golf course?

If you live on a golf course, you assume risk. Contact your insurance agent to see if your personal liability coverage on your homeowner’s insurance would pay for “damage to property of others.”. There will be a dollar limit stated in your policy.

Does insurance cover golf balls?

Many courses and near-by buildings do have insurance in place to cover it, so check that as well if the issue cannot be resolved. If your home or car is hit and you are in the position of not knowing who hit the golf ball, you can ask the golf course if their insurance will pay for your damages, but typically this would be excluded.

Does comprehensive insurance cover damage?

Comprehensive coverage will normally cover damage . You will need to pay the deductible associated with this coverage There are several ways you can protect yourself from getting hit in the pocketbook. It is advisable that before you buy, look at where the house is in relation to the hole.

Is golfer responsible for homeowners insurance?

In most cases if you ask the golfer, he will say it is the homeowner and should be covered on their homeowners insurance. In other cases if you ask the homeowner he will say the golfer is responsible. You also have to catch the golfer! There is clear California case law on these points of law.

Frequently Asked Question

If you have hit the house unintentionally, the homeowner can consult with the insurance to handle the damage. In some cases, it could be a mutual approach from both you and the victim. But in case the victim proves a reckless or intentional hit, you’ll have to bear the damages.

Wrapping Up

And after going through several cases, possibilities and factors, I feel like usually, it’s the victim facing the damage who needs to sort things out. Having enough proof against the golfer or the course can help in winning some compensation. But usually, the thing is pretty trick.

Who is liable for golf ball injuries?

Who is liable for golf ball injuries or similar incidents? The golfer who actually struck the golf ball is generally not liable for injuries resulting in an errant shot. Over the years, courts have generally concluded that being struck by a golf ball is an inherent risk of the game agreed upon by any who enter the course. The owner of the course may or may not be held liable, depending on the whether or not negligence is proven. No matter what is determined, having a robust liability policy is imperative for any golf course owner. This will help cover costs such as damages and legal fees.

How many people go to the emergency room after being injured on the golf course?

According to Golf Digest, some 40,000 golfers visit emergency rooms each year after being injured on the course. This usually occurs due to wayward golf balls and dislodged club heads (a terrifying feeling if you’ve ever experienced it).

Can a golf course accident be fatal?

Though rare, golf course accidents have unfortunately even been fatal. This may also happen to a passerby, spectator, or neighbor of the golf course.

Is golf a contact sport?

Who ever said that golf is not a contact sport has never been struck by a golf ball. If you have ever had the misfortune of being injured on a golf course, you know it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Is the owner of a golf course liable for negligence?

The owner of the course may or may not be held liable, depending on the whether or not negligence is proven. No matter what is determined, having a robust liability policy is imperative for any golf course owner. This will help cover costs such as damages and legal fees.

What happens if a golf ball hits your car?

A car can be damaged in hundreds of different ways. A golf ball, baseball, soccer ball, and others can all cause damage to a vehicle if they make contact with enough speed. It is not uncommon for a car to get hit by a ball at a sporting event or during the neighborhood pickup game. So what happens if a ball hits your car and damages ...

What happens if you get damaged at a baseball stadium?

Damage Occurs at a Baseball Stadium or Golf Course. Most likely, you will need to file a claim on your car insurance policy under comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is damaged at a baseball stadium or golf course. You probably will not know who caused the damage and the stadium or course will not accept liability.

Does home insurance cover vandalism?

Home policies of the at-fault party cover adults and children in accidental mishaps, but intentional vandalism is usually not covered. And, for your information, the home owner's policy will not cover damage your children caused to your vehicle!

Can you bring a case to a golf course?

It certainly would not hurt to bring it to the stadium or golf course's attention. If they did not provide proper netting or other necessary safety measures, you could bring in a lawyer and potentially have a case.

Can you pay a deductible for a threw ball?

Often, out of moral obligation, the at-fault person who hit, kicked, or threw the ball will come forward and offer to pay for the damages or the deductible. The deductible can be a cheaper way to go for the person who caused the damage. Unfortunately, you are going to have a hard time forcing the at-fault person to pay up.

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