Legal Question in Personal Injury in New York

My son is 15 years old and went golfing last week with his friends who are 14,16 and 17. The golf course rented carts to the 16 and 17 year old . On the receipt was a lease agreement that states that the lessee agrees to pay for any damages. My son (15) was given the cart by the starter because the 16 year old did not want to drive. The golf cart on one of the holes slid into a lake down a steep incline, which was not marked as being dangerous. My son stated that the golf cart was not working properly prior to this happening. After the cart slid into the water the boys tried to remove it and immediately notified the golf course. A worker from the course responded but did not remove the cart or assist with the removal. In fact the golf course did not remove the cart for approximately 20 hours. The golf course worker then gave my son a second golf cart to use even though he is only 15. My son drove it away from the scene and then told the 16 year old who had signed the lease agreement to drive the cart.The golf course now wants me to pay repairs of $1000 for the cart. I never agreed to allow my son to operate the cart and this agreement was not signed by my son, but by a 16 year old who is a minor in New York State. Do you think I am legally bound to pay this bill? And is the 16 year old legally bound to pay this bill?


Asked on 12/06/09, 10:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Antoinette Wooten The Wooten Legal Consulting, PC

Hello, and thank your for your inquiry.

Unfortunately our practice is limited to injury cases.

We do not handle these types of cases.

You should contact your local County Bar Association and they should be able to refer you to an attorney that will be able to assist you.

Patricia Martin-Gibbons

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Answered on 12/11/09, 12:09 pm


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