Substantial settlement for a client struck by electric golf buggy

Our retired client was attending an international golf tournament with a friend, enjoying a sport she’d followed for years. As they made their way to the 18th hole for the final moments of the game, she was unexpectedly struck from behind by an electric golf buggy that had been overloaded with passengers. One person was sitting on the bonnet, obstructing the driver’s view. The impact caused her to fall onto a concrete path, trapping her foot and ankle underneath the vehicle.

She was shocked and in a lot of pain. Her right wrist appeared deformed, and paramedics took her to hospital by ambulance. She was told she’d sustained a serious fracture that required immediate surgery. Although her lower‑limb injuries were initially thought to be soft‑tissue only, later medical evidence confirmed an extrusion and tear in the lateral meniscus of her knee. This kind of life‑changing harm is something our Serious Injury team supports clients with every day.

During her recovery, she couldn’t use her injured right arm and needed help from friends and family with everyday tasks. Her knee pain made it difficult to walk or stand for long periods, affecting her independence and confidence.

The collision also had a real impact on her mental wellbeing. She became anxious about how the accident might change her life and retirement plans, and she lost confidence and self‑esteem. Working with the defendant insurer, we arranged funding for psychological support, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which she found genuinely helpful.

The defendant insurer made an early pre‑medical offer to settle the claim, but we advised that it didn’t reflect the seriousness of her injuries. Medical evidence was obtained from an orthopaedic surgeon for both her upper and lower limb injuries, as well as a psychiatrist. This evidence clearly demonstrated the full impact of the accident and strengthened her case.

The team secured an early admission of liability and arranged funding under the Rehabilitation Code 2015. This meant she could choose a physiotherapy provider close to home, helping her rebuild strength in both her wrist and knee. She had always enjoyed staying active, so returning to her usual level of exercise became an important part of her recovery.

Her legal team later negotiated a significant settlement that properly reflects her injuries and ensures she can access the future treatment recommended for her ongoing recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a public place or hurt in an incident that wasn’t your fault, our public place injury team can help you understand your options and get the support you need.