Q: Am I liable for a broken window on a golf course.
I was the one playing golf. My ball hit a tree limb, bounced sideways, and broke a window on a house that’s located on the course.
A:
In Texas, liability for damages caused while playing golf, such as breaking a window, can be a bit complex. Generally, playing golf involves some inherent risk, and accidents like yours can happen. The key factor in determining liability is often whether there was negligence involved in your actions.
If you were playing the game in a normal, expected manner and the broken window was an accidental result, you might not be considered negligent. In many cases, homeowners who live on golf courses assume some risk of such accidents occurring, especially if their property is close to the course.
However, if there was any recklessness or carelessness in your play, like hitting the ball in an unsafe direction or manner, then there could be a case for negligence and, consequently, liability on your part.
It might be beneficial to check if the golf course has any specific rules or policies regarding such incidents. Additionally, some homeowner's insurance policies may cover this type of accident.
If the situation escalates or if you're unsure about your liability, consulting with an attorney would be advisable. They can provide guidance based on the specifics of the incident and local laws.
Remember, accidents happen, and it's important to handle the situation responsibly, whether that involves discussing the matter with the homeowner or seeking legal advice.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
