If my golf ball accidentally breaks a window, who has to pay for it?

General
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Hello guys,
Yesterday I played golf with two friends at a new course. It was a short one with 3 pars. I used a 9 iron to hit the ball toward the green. But when I swung, I hit the ball poorly and it went way off to the right, hitting a house. I apologized to the owners and found out I broke a window, but thankfully it didn’t break all the way through. I gave them my contact info, thinking I was responsible.

I feel bad about what happened, but I’m a college student with a lot of debt. I usually play at cheaper courses. I read some stuff on Reddit that said golfers aren’t always responsible for damage on the course. This happened in Nevada. I want to do the right thing, but I can’t afford a lawyer. Is there a website or something where I can get advice without spending a lot of money?

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If a golfer hits a ball toward your house on purpose or does something really careless, they’re responsible.

If your house was there before the golf course was built and they hit it, the course is responsible.

But if your house was built after the golf course was there, then it’s your responsibility because you knew the risks of living there.

From what you’ve said, you don’t have to pay anything in this situation.

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If your golf ball accidentally breaks a window, typically you would be responsible for paying for the damages. However, depending on the circumstances and any agreements in place, such as insurance coverage, it’s advisable to discuss the situation with the property owner and potentially involve insurance providers if necessary.

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You’re right to be concerned about golf ball damage, and it’s great that you’re aiming to address it responsibly. Here’s the gist:

  1. Liability: If the damage wasn’t intentional and your house was built after the golf course, neither the golfer nor the golf course is legally obliged to pay for it.
  2. Golf Course Responsibility: Typically, golf courses aren’t held responsible for damage to individual properties if they were established before the houses were built.
  3. Seeking Legal Advice: If hiring a lawyer isn’t feasible, consider free legal aid clinics or online forums like Reddit or Avvo, ensuring you focus on Nevada-specific laws.
  4. Communication: Keep talking openly with the homeowners, expressing your willingness to make things right, even if the legal outcome is uncertain.
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Remember, while you may not be legally obligated to pay for the damages, it’s also important to consider the ethical aspect and the impact on your reputation, especially if you frequent that golf course. If possible, you might want to discuss the matter with the homeowners and see if you can come to a mutually agreeable solution.

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Generally, golfers are not held liable for accidental damage caused by errant golf balls, especially if the houses were built after the golf course. This is because homeowners are typically aware of the risks associated with living next to a golf course. In Nevada, there isn’t a specific case that sets a precedent for golfer liability in such situations, and most states have concluded that there is no liability for the golfer as long as the damage wasn’t intentional.

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Unless you intentionally hit the home, the owner would be responsible. By living in a home on a golf course, they assume the risk of a golf ball breaking a window. Their homeowners insurance should cover this, making it their responsibility to pay.