Skilled Litigators Advocating For Clients in Louisiana

Fan files suit against Tiger Woods and caddie

Anyone who has been to a big golf tournament or seen them on television knows that it can get a little gnarly in the rough alongside the fairways. While pro golfers usually hit balls precisely where they want, they prove they are human by occasionally putting one in the roughs or spots near or amidst the gallery. Major celebrity athletes must then wade into or near the crowd to make a shot.

Such was the case two years ago when Tiger Woods put a ball to the left of the 13th green at the Valspar Championship. A fan in the gallery attempted to get a selfie of the golfer standing with his back to the fan looking at something else when Woods’ caddy Joe LaCava pushed the fan, causing him to stumble and fall back into the gallery. The alleged victim subsequently went to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. In a civil complaint filed in Florida, the fan contends that he was hurt in the fall with injuries that are either permanent or continuing.

Caught on video?

The victim’s attorney made an appeal for other fans to share a video of the incident or provide an eyewitness account of the incident. So far, there is footage of LaCava putting out his arm and telling fans to back away from the ball. The PGA has so far refused to provide video until it gets a court order to do so.

This is not the first lawsuit filed against Woods – a bartender working at Woods’ restaurant in Jupiter, Florida, died in an alcohol-related car wreck in 2018 after leaving the restaurant. Woods was later removed from the wrongful death suit, but the restaurant and its manager continued to be named as defendants.

Statute of limitations not exceeded

The alleged victim did file his claim within the statute of limitations. The complaint listed $99,999,999 as the amount it seeks, which seems highly unlikely. Nevertheless, it is a reminder that those who injured in a shove or car accident can file a suit after the fact. Those with questions about the statute of limitations here in Louisiana as it relates to a specific injury can speak with an attorney to learn more.

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