Chicago Lightning Injury Lawyer - Article

Lightning: A Lesser Known Golf Hazard

Living in Illinois, thunderstorms and lightning strikes are not as common elsewhere as they are in Florida; however, this does not make the risk less real. If anything, it makes it more real, as people are less accustomed to recognizing the signs of impending thunderstorms.

Lightning strikes are a hazard faced by both golfers and golf courses. Courses are threatened by lightning as their perfectly manicured trees are at risk from strikes. In addition, their members or anyone on the course can be struck. It is estimated that half of all fatalities due to lightning occur on golf courses.

As a result of these statistics, the National Golf Foundation conducted a survey to determine awareness of lightning’s potential hazards. Half of the member golf clubs that were surveyed said they maintain a lightning warning system for their club. Of the same clubs, one third have course evacuation policies in place for when a lightning hazard is identified.

Legally, lightning is considered an act of God. This means that in cases where lightning is the only cause of loss, there can be no recovery in court. However, there are frequently “other factors” that contribute to lightning-related tragedies. Some common factors include:

• A victim’s failure to appreciate the danger of lightning
• A victim’s failure to take proper cover
• Unavailability of proper cover

While lightning is considered an act of God, it is wrong to assume that all deaths, injuries, and damages caused by lightning are “no one’s fault” and couldn’t have been prevented. If you have been injured by lightning, please contact the Chicago lightning injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.