A voluntary participant in a game, sport, or contest, assumes all risks incidental to the particular game, sport, or contest which are obvious and foreseeable. However, he or she does not assume an extraordinary risk which is not normally incident to the game or sport. Even where the assumption of the risk doctrine applies, defendants have a duty to use due care not to increase the risks to a participant over and above those inherent in the sport. While under the doctrine of assumption of risk, a defendant has no legal duty to eliminate or protect a plaintiff from the risks inherent in a sport, but the defendant owes a duty not to increase the inherent risks. To determine whether the primary assumption of risk doctrine applies to a sports participant, the court must decide whether the injury suffered arises from a risk inherent in the sport, and whether imposing a duty might fundamentally alter the nature of the sport. Participants in team sports, where physical contact among participants is inherent and virtually inevitable, assume greater risks of injury than nonparticipants or participants in noncontact sports.
A voluntary participant in a lawful game or contest assumes the risks ordinarily incident to the game or contest and thus is precluded from recovering from his or her opponent or other participant for injury or death resulting from the game or contest. Of course, if an intentional act that causes injury goes beyond what is ordinarily permissible in a lawful sport of the kind being participated in, recovery may be had, and a player will be held liable for injury if his or her conduct is such that it is either deliberate, willful, or reckless in his or her disregard for the safety of the other player so as to cause injury to that player.
Title: Tennessee Complaint Types: Golf Ball Injury to Eye 1. Filing a Tennessee Civil Complaint for Personal Injury due to Golf Ball Strike to Eye In Tennessee, golfers who suffer injuries due to a fellow golfer's negligence may file a civil complaint seeking compensation for the damages caused. Specifically, when a golfer is struck in the eye by a golf ball leading to injury, they have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible party. As the injured golfer, it is important to understand the various types of complaints that can be filed, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Here are some potential types of Tennessee complaints: A. Negligence Complaint: If the golfer intentionally or negligently failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the golf ball striking the claimant in the eye, a negligence complaint can be filed. This complaint accuses the golfer of not adhering to their duty of care toward fellow players and alleges that their actions or lack thereof caused injury. B. Strict Liability Complaint: In some cases, the injured golfer can file a strict liability complaint against the other golfer. This complaint argues that the defendant is held responsible regardless of their level of care or intent, as the mere act of striking another golfer in the eye goes against established legal standards. It implies that the defendant should be held strictly liable for the damages inflicted. C. Assault and Battery Complaint: If it can be proven that the golfer intentionally struck the claimant in the eye with the golf ball, they may be held accountable for assault and battery. This type of complaint accuses the defendant of deliberate harm and seeks compensation for the injuries sustained. D. Premises Liability Complaint: Apart from suing the individual golfer, the injured party may also consider filing a premises' liability complaint if the accident occurred on a golf course or other golfing facility. This complaint holds the course or facility owner responsible for maintaining a safe environment, including addressing hazards that could lead to injuries such as golf ball strikes to the eye. When filing a complaint, it is crucial to provide detailed accounts of the incident and gather evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, medical records, and any other pertinent documentation. It is advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in personal injury claims as they can guide the injured party through the legal process and help build a strong case. In conclusion, Tennessee offers several avenues for golfers injured by a golf ball strike to the eye to seek legal action against the responsible party. Whether filing a complaint based on negligence, strict liability, assault and battery, or premises liability, understanding the potential options is essential to ensure maximum compensation for the damages suffered.