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Dangers of Topgolf

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Dangers of Topgolf

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Golf can be a fun way to stay active and let off some steam, and Topgolf provides a way for amateur golfers around the country to enjoy the freedom of taking a swing in an urban environment, all while sipping drinks from their trendy bars. While this sounds like some people’s paradise, serious injuries have occurred due to Topgolf’s alleged failure to provide basic, essential safety measures. What makes the dangers of Topgolf even more perplexing and concerning is that they could easily be solved by adding the basic safety measures recommended by construction professionals. However, Topgolf’s management is still steadfastly refusing to acknowledge the extreme dangers their current structure poses to their customers.

Injuries sustained at Topgolf include:

  • Knocked out teeth
  • Concussions
  • Lacerations
  • Eye injuries
  • Losing an eye
  • Paralysis from falling
  • Facial injuries from stray clubs requiring facial reconstruction surgery

Common causes of reported injuries at Topgolf include mishit balls, ricocheting balls, swinging clubs, lost clubs, and falls. Potentially severe injuries occur on a daily basis at Topgolf due to their unwillingness to alter the “carefree vibe” of their locations by adding further safety measures. The actual rate at which these injuries are occurring to Topgolf customers is unknown as it’s highly suspected that Topgolf is not reporting injuries when they occur, and the only numbers attorneys are able to utilize are those of the customers who reported the injuries themselves.

Potential flaws in Topgolf’s current safety measures include:

  • Insufficient safety netting
  • Lack of barriers between hitting bays
  • Inadequate hiring/training processes for employees
  • Allowing unsafe individuals to access dangerous areas
  • Withholding information regarding the buildings’ design and safety reports

These flaws are obvious and should be easily remedied without significant damage to Topgolf’s business structure or finances. So why is Topgolf still refusing to address these dangers? Topgolf’s unwillingness to tolerate the mild inconvenience that would be involved in correcting these hazards has been attributed to an unwillingness to damage the party vibe that inspires their customers to continue buying drinks. If Topgolf adds too many or too restrictive safety measures, it could slow their alcohol sale and therefore hurt their overall profit. It’s estimated that the bigger locations are currently bringing in close to $1 million per month in alcohol sales.

Remarkably, injured parties are not calling for the closure of Topgolf, but merely for the installation of effective safety standards.

When a company puts profit above customer and employee safety, a line has been crossed and the company should be held accountable for injuries caused by their negligence. In addition, they should make immediate and effective changes to the ways they do business.

Recommended changes for Topgolf:

  • Close all elevated tee-line until 8-foot nets meeting current safety standards are installed to prevent fall injuries.
  • Hang vertical nets between and behind each hitting bay to prevent golfers from harming each other with stray clubs/golf balls.
  • Instate strict protocols regarding employee hiring, training, licensing, and behavior.
  • Require employees that will be serving alcohol to meet State training and licensing laws.
  • Prohibit children and people wearing high-heeled shoes from being present on elevated decks.
  • Design future Topgolf locations with sub-surface, automatic ball-teeing machines.
  • Engage in honest, cooperative, and timely communication and reporting with injured parties, lawyers, and city officials.

If you or a loved one were injured at a Topgolf location, seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney to understand what your rights are and how to receive help paying for medical bills, property damage, etc. as a result of this company’s negligence.

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