1.4 Million Awarded by a Vista California Jury in a Fatal Golf-Cart Accident

Pala Mesa Golf Resort was held accountable by a Vista, California jury on July 23, 2009, when they found the Resort negligent for the death of a man who drove his gold cart over a cliff; the jury awarded $1.4 million dollars to his widow, Mrs. Clara Payne. The reason: the Resort was found negligent in maintaining the property, which factored in the death of 65 year-old Edwin Payne in May 2007.

Mrs. Payne could receive nearly $2 million dollars for damages which includes loss of financial support, and burial expenses according to court documents. Yet the jury did find that Mr. Payne bore some fault for the tragic accident and they reduced their award by 30% to apportion for his fault. Mr. Payne was golfing with some friends (and he was a recent retiree enjoying the time that comes with retirement) at the Resort located near Fallbrook, California, on May 22, 2007, when his golf-cart fell about 75 feet onto Old Highway 395 near the Pala Mesa Road. Mrs. Payne’s wrongful death lawyer said the accident could have been avoided had the Resort installed a 12 inch curb since there was no barrier, sign, or warning signaling the deadly drop off.