IN SPITE OF a growing number of court cases upholding claims of negligence against golfers who cause injury while playing or practising, 90% of UK golfers still play without adequate insurance protection. Statistics compiled by the UK’s largest specialist golf insurance provider, Golfplan, confirm that on average over 12,400 golfers are injured annually, 30% of which are head injuries. And a recent court ruling has determined that shouting “Fore!” does not remove liability.
Most people have no idea what would be involved if they were sued as the result of a golf accident. The reality is, says Golfplan, that these cases are attracting huge compensation payments. It recently settled a golf public liability claim for over £87,000 on behalf of a client whose mis-hit tee shot caused serious head injuries to a fellow golfer.
It’s not only mis-hit shots that can cause injury; other areas of a golf course may also hide potential hazards – and not just of the water type! A golf buggy malfunctioning, a golf bag’s strap breaking or simply slippery substances on the club house stairs can all cause injury. A sufferer from injuries from any of these, if they can be shown to be another person’s fault, may be eligible to make a compensation claim through a personal injury lawyer.
The home of golf is, of course, widely recognised as being Scotland. In Scotland the law operates differently from south of the border, and specialist expertise is needed. Claims company Youclaim has recognised that fact and set up a special service for claimants in Scotland. The same service also operates in another sporting sector which in the UK is unique to Scotland: skiing.
Skiing accidents are an all-too-common accompaniment to winter holidays abroad, where travel insurance should be in place; but how many people take out similar insurance when skiing at home?