The sun was shining, the sky was clear, and the humidity of South Florida’s summers was months away. Yes, it was the perfect February day, Joan thought. She was looking forward to soaking it all in.
Joan’s Life Before
On days like this, Joan loved to hit the golf course and play a round in the fresh air. At 82 years old, she was still teeing off on a regular basis, and loving every minute of it. That might surprise you, since nearly 50% of people her age struggle to even walk without a mobility device. But Joan was not your typical senior. She was still living on her own, fully independent, and working part time. To Joan, age was just a number, and she was more active than many people half her age.
On this gorgeous day in Boca Raton, she arrived at the golf course to compete in a ladies golf league. Joan was in a team of three, with one of her partners riding shotgun in her golf cart. The third team member followed in a separate cart. The first few holes had been smooth sailing, when Joan parked on the fourth tee and walked to the back of the cart to retrieve her clubs.
The Golf Cart Accident
Suddenly, Joan heard the sound of a cart speeding towards her. Before she could react, the second golf cart crushed her leg and pinned her between both vehicles. It was Joan’s other teammate, who inadvertently hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. In a span of seconds, Joan’s life took a dramatic turn.
She needed multiple surgeries to repair her leg and later suffered from several complications as a result. But the pain was nothing compared to losing her independence. For the first time, Joan had to rely on others for assistance. No more driving. No more golf on a beautiful, sunny day.
Working with KL Injury Attorneys
But Joan wasn’t about to give up. She contacted our team at KL Injury Attorneys, and we set out to get the compensation she deserved. We immediately knew how to anticipate the medical and legal challenges and we proceeded to overcome each and every one. One challenge was convincing a jury that an octogenarian with statistically less healthy years left deserved a substantial amount of money. We also knew if the case dragged out, Joan wouldn’t be able to enjoy the rewards.
But we also knew her injuries justified a large settlement that would provide for a secure and worry-free life. Although money could not buy back her independence, Joan’s future was still bright.
While Joan was hospitalized, we made sure the process was as seamless and convenient as possible. We traveled to the hospital and to her home for meetings, and kept them to a minimum. We didn’t want to bother her with medical paperwork, so we reached out to all of Joan’s healthcare providers and delivered the insurance information they needed. We also requested an expedited trial in pursuant to Florida statutes regarding victims over 65. The courts granted our request and guaranteed a swift trial due to Joan’s advanced age. Our highest priority was to make sure Joan could focus on recovery and look forward to better days ahead.
Joan’s $522,208 Accident Verdict
Our team at KL worked diligently to request and receive an expedited trial for Joan. We ensured her case was prioritized and brought to trial quickly. Then, less than one year later–an unusually fast turnaround–the jury delivered Joan’s verdict. Even better, they awarded her $522,208 for the accident. Joan was thrilled that her remaining years would be a lot more comfortable, without medical bills to worry about.
What happened to Joan could happen to any of us. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that in 2015, nearly 18,000 golf-cart-related injuries nationwide sent people of all ages to the emergency room. And accidents like these don’t just happen on golf courses anymore. Especially in Florida, tourists and residents are also using golf carts for transportation around neighborhoods and busy areas.
Joan still struggles with her injuries a year later, but she has maintained a steady road to recovery. Thanks to the peace of mind provided by her large verdict and the stress-free process to get it, Joan can focus on seeing the sunny side of life again.
