DuPage County Judge Wants Jury To Rule on West Chicago Injury Lawsuit Involving Errant Golf Ball
A judge in DuPage County wants a jury to decide whether a golfer should be held liable for his ball that accidentally struck a woman on the head. Raymond Kinney, a Naperville businessman, was playing golf on August 25 at the DuPage County Republican Day, sponsored by St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, when his ball flew into West Chicago resident Lillian Demo's yard, which is located next to the golf course.
Demo filed a DuPage County personal injury lawsuit against Kinney in 2007. She is also suing St. Andrew. Demo claims that her migraine headaches are a result of the golf accident. She also contends that her permanent and serious injuries have impeded her daily life.
In her Illinois personal injury complaint, Demo accuses Kinney of failing to properly aim his shot, incorrectly executing his swing, and failing to warn her that a golf ball was approaching. Meantime, Kinney claims that someone in his party shouted “fore” to warn that there was an errant golf ball might pose a hazard to others.
Judge John T. Elsner said that golfers must be careful and not cause injury to anyone on or near the golf course. Also, Illinois doesn’t have a law stating that people who buy residences next to golf course are assuming the risk of possibly getting struck by any balls.
Errant golf balls can cause serious injuries and Demo’s West Chicago injury lawsuit is not the first one filed by someone suing for damages for a resulting injury. Other golf-related matters that have been cited as grounds for a personal injury lawsuit are golf cart accidents, and fall accidents on the course or at the golf club.
Judge: jury to consider negligence in golf lawsuit, Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2010
Slice could leave golfer on hook in lawsuit, Naperville Sun, February 14, 2010
Related Web Resource:
Andrews Golf & Country Club
