A jury has ordered Topgolf to pay nearly $16 million to the family of a 9-year-old boy who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a golf club during a birthday party at the company’s Hillsboro, Ore., location.
The incident occurred on November 11, 2021, when the child was standing behind the driving range’s red safety line. Despite the precaution, he was hit in the head by a club with such force that he sustained a skull fracture, orbital fracture, cerebral hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Emergency neurosurgery was required, including the placement of three titanium plates.
Court records noted that the boy has since faced ongoing complications, including headaches, nausea, facial pain, emotional and behavioral struggles, depression, and anxiety. His injuries also forced him to stop participating in sports he previously enjoyed.
The lawsuit, filed in June 2023, accused Topgolf of negligence for failing to adequately warn or protect guests from the dangers of swinging clubs. The case also cited a lack of liability waivers for customers.
After deliberation, the jury found Topgolf 97 percent responsible for the boy’s injuries and the parents hosting the party 3 percent responsible. The verdict awarded $12.5 million for pain and suffering and $3.3 million for economic damages, totaling $15.8 million.
During the trial, Topgolf’s attorney argued that safety protocols were in place. However, investigations revealed that between 2019 and 2021, guests were struck by clubs at least 27 times across the company’s Roseville, Calif., and Hillsboro, Ore., venues.
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