Golfing is a lot of fun, highly competitive and a great way to relax and get away from it all. Golf is played all over the country, but especially in areas with warm weather climates like Arizona. While you are likely to enjoy round after round of golfing without ever experiencing a problem, the fact is that accidents can and do occur on golf courses. If you are a golfer, it is imperative that you understand the risks and know how to proceed in case you are the victim of such an accident. After all, you want to make sure you can get back to doing the things you love as quickly as possible.

What Type of Accidents Happen at a Golf Course?

While the game of golf may seem safe and tame, in reality, there are many chances for accident or injury to occur. Some of the potential accidents you might encounter include:

• Tripping over landscaping
• Slipping due to improper course maintenance
• Golf cart accidents
• Being struck by a ball or another player
• Lightning strike

These are just a few of the ways you could be injured. Injuries could vary and include things such as broken bones, concussions or other head injuries, sprained ankles and even more serious problems.

One example of such an accident occurred in Avon, Ohio. A teen was playing golf with friends when a shot ricocheted off a golf cart and hit him in the head. He wound up with a concussion and a skull injury, but due to his friends getting him prompt medical attention and excellent care from the hospital he was able to recover fully.

Determining Fault in a Golf Course Accident

It can be very tricky to decide who is at fault in a golf course accident. There can be several different people or groups that contribute to an accident. It will be important to study the case and figure out if the accident was caused due to negligence on the part of the park owner, or course manager. Other accidents could be caused due to mechanical failure—such as an accident that occurs on a golf card. In some cases, an accident may be the fault of another player on the course, such if you are struck by a ball when the other player wasn’t following course rules.

In any event, it is important that the accident is thoroughly investigated to make sure the person or company at fault is determined and the next steps can be taken.

At-Fault Injuries

Not every accident on the golf course is the fault of the course owner or manager. For instance, if you overdo it while playing and pull a muscle, there is not anyone to blame but yourself. Also, if you trip and fall over a branch on the course, but are found to be intoxicated, you may not be able to recover the same damages as you would if you were sober. Every case is different.

Every golf course accident deserves to be thoroughly investigated. Even if you can honestly look at an injury and feel that you are at fault, there may be something that is called an “accident contributor.

What Should You Do if You Are Injured in a Golf Course Accident?

No matter what the cause of your accident, the first thing you should do is to make sure you receive the medical attention you need. Once you are under proper care, your next step should be to contact a lawyer who specializes in golf course accidents. When you work with a good attorney, you will be able to decide what the best steps to take will be to assure that the responsible party takes care of your medical costs and other related expenses.

When compared to other sports, golfing is a very safe sport, so you shouldn’t let the slim chance for an accident keep you from pursuing this activity. However, when an accident does occur on the greens, it can be just as dangerous and potentially costly as any other injury resulting from playing sports. Because of this, as a golfer, you should be aware of the potential dangers so you can avoid them. If this fails, it is vital to speak with a personal injury attorney right away. If you have been in a golf course accident, reach out to us at Friedl Richardson. As personal injury attorneys based in Phoenix, Arizona, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to get you the best results possible from your case.