Photographer Seriously Injured In Golf Ball Accident at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course In La Quinta
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA (April 23, 2022) – A photographer was critically injured in a La Quinta golf accident at the PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.
Riverside County police officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday afternoon, April 22. A photographer who was not golfing was struck in the face by a golf ball.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident at the PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. The injured photographer was taken to a hospital in a Mercy Air Ambulance for treatment of a head injury.
A police officer said that the victim sustained a skull fracture and an injury to his eye. Riverside County officials are continuing to investigate the accident at the PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.
Liability In La Quinta Golf Course Accidents
Being hit by a golf ball may seem like a freak occurrence, but these accidents are actually very common. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, around 16-14% of amateur golfers are injured every year. Nearly 2/3 of all golfers will be injured in their lifetime. The most serious injuries tend to occur when golfers are hit in the head with a ball. At full velocity, a golf ball can travel as fast as 211 mph. There are a number of steps that golfers should take to avoid causing injury to someone.
- Players should never hit a ball in the direction of other people.
- Players should be aware that their ball can curve at angles that are unpredictable.
- Players should make sure that there is not anyone near them when swinging their club.
- Players should yell “Fore!” to warn others of an incoming ball.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous liable parties if someone is injured on a golf course. This could include a golfer that made an errant shot. It could also, potentially, include the owner of a golf course. Property owners in California have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition under California Civil Code 1714. A golf course could be liable for a spectator being hit by a ball if they failed to take reasonable precautions to protect spectators.
Consider, for example, the case of Duffy v. Midlothian Country Club. Alice Duffy was hit in the right eye by an errant golf ball while in a concession area. The damages were so severe that she completely lost her vision in that eye. An appellate court ruled in her favor and allowed her lawyers to present their case to a jury. The court held that there was a genuine material of fact that needed to be evaluated. At issue was the reasonableness of the location of the concession stand given that golf balls frequently landed there. Victims of golf ball accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Organ damage
- Eye injuries
Any person that is hit by a golf ball may be able to seek damages through a negligence claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Even a mild brain injury can be extraordinarily costly. A golf injury accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. It is important to act quickly before any statute of limitations expire.
Investigating A La Quinta Golf Course Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the photographer injured at the PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim. It is our sincere hope that the owners of this golf course will take measures to prevent other accidents like this down the road.
Have you or someone that you love been injured at the PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
