With some states reopening and easing up on stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic, including Nevada, the risk of injury while out and about may increase. Thankfully, it is easier to maintain social distancing during some activities compared to others. One of these seemingly safer activities is golfing. When someone visits a golf course to play, however, there is potential for injuries. From being hit by a flying golf ball to getting hurt while driving a golf cart, you or your loved one may suffer harm while playing 18 holes.
Common Causes
There are multiple ways in which golf course accidents may happen. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can result in devastating and even life-changing injuries. The most common causes of golf course accidents include:
- Being struck by a golf ball or golf club;
- Tripping over landscaping;
- Slipping on the course due to poor maintenance;
- Being hit by a golf cart.
Another reason for golf course accidents is negligence on the part of the golfers. Injuries can result from gross negligence, recklessness, carelessness, and poor judgment. This can include hitting shots before others are at a safe distance, failing to yell “fore” to warn others, impulsively throwing a golf club out of anger, or driving a golf cart as if the course were a racetrack. Whatever the reason, a person injured due to the fault of another has recourse under the law.
Golf Carts
Golf carts can be dangerous vehicles. The most common causes of golf cart accidents and resulting in injuries include:
- Driver negligence;
- Speeding;
- Recklessness;
- Rollovers;
- Poor roadway;
- Driver intoxication; and
- Poor maintenance.
Additionally, most golf carts are not subject to regulations by the federal government. In fact, state and local regulations for golf carts vary from location to location. Moreover, golf carts, unlike passenger vehicles, do not have seat belts or other safety features because they are not mandated by law.
Damages Available
Just like in any personal injury case, victims hurt in a golf course accident can seek monetary compensation for harm suffered. The types of damages available are referred to as “economic” and “non-economic” damages. Economic damages, sometimes known as pecuniary or special damages in Nevada, include past and future costs for injuries suffered such as:
- Property damage;
- Medical bills;
- Occupational and physical therapy;
- Short- and long-term medical care;
- Lost past and future wages; and
- MRIs, X-rays, and other testing.
There is no cap on the above damages in Nevada in most personal injury cases.
State law also allows an injured victim to recover “non-economic” damages, which are commonly referred to as general damages in Nevada. These damages are more difficult to quantify and include:
- Permanent scarring;
- Inconvenience due to injuries;
- Loss of companionship;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Loss of function of a body part; and
- Pain and suffering.
Except in medical malpractice lawsuits, there are no caps on “non-economic” damages in Nevada.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you know has been hurt in Nevada at a golf course, contact our skilled and experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Matt Pfau Law Group. Our attorneys understand the law and will seek the best outcome for your specific case. Contact us today for your initial consultation.
