Hurt Friend

[SadMom]

What is the name of your state? PA

Last night, I took my two children (7 and 12) along with their friends (also 7 and 12) to play minature golf. Everything was going well...the children were staying on the course and no one was being rough and swinging the clubs around like swords. My son was lining up his ball and his friend was off the course standing to the side. Suddenly...just as my son was swinging...his friend jumped onto the course. His friend was hit in the mouth and lost two teeth (possibly baby teeth..but not sure that matters). I called his Mom immediately and she began screaming and cussing at me. She came to the course (still screaming while I held an icepack to the boy's mouth). Obviously, I feel terrible about her son's injury as well as the fact that it was my son who swung and hit him. As she was walking away, she muttered "lawsuit" under her breath.

What do I do now? I'm more concerned about how her son is doing than anything else, but having my skin ripped off once again is not something I look forward to. Do I call and ask about him? Or do I avoid contact until she comes after me?What is the name of your state?

 

[moburkes]

You can call and inquire. Be prepared to pay the medical bills. If you can't afford them, contact your homeowner's insurance company.

 

[SadMom]

Unfortunately, I rent and don't have Homeowner's insurance. Thank you.

 

[moburkes]

Unfortunately, I rent and don't have Homeowner's insurance. Thank you.

Renter's insurance falls under the category of homeowner's insurance. Please don't tell me that you didn't purchase renters insurance. It still carries liablity and medical payments coverage.

 

[SadMom]

No Unfortunately we don't. My husband was layed off last year - we're trying to recover financially and it was lower on the list. She's already called me at this point and left me a very threatening voice mail stating it was negligence (not an accident).

 

[atomicperm]

If they were on a minature golf course, what would her home owner's insurance have to do with this?? Just curious.

 

[moburkes]

If they were on a minature golf course, what would her home owner's insurance have to do with this?? Just curious.

Its not about where. Homeowners insurance includes liability coverage for things that the homeowner or their children are responsible for. Here is a quote from www.insurance.com (NOT an advertisement):

Homeowners insurance also provides compensation for liability claims and medical expenses, as well as other claims that result from property damage and personal injury suffered by others. This coverage applies whether an accident occurs on the policyholder's property or while away from home.

 

[SadMom]

I wasn't aware of that..but will definitely be purchasing renter's insurance as soon as I can. Additional subject...she has now indicated she will be calling the school to keep her child away from mine (they were best friends until this) and that it will "follow" my son everywhere he goes..including sports, scouts, etc. I kept a copy of her phone conversation as well as a write up of what happened (in my view of course). Is there anything else I should be doing right now? She said (screamed) in her voice mail message to me that I should not call to ask how he is doing.

 

[moburkes]

Purchase renters insurance NOW. Its probably $15-$20/month. There are a few things that we CANNOT live without, ESPECIALLY when we are broke.
1. homeowners insurance
2. life insurance

 

[SadMom]

Actually....I'm logged into Geico getting a quote right now. BUT...as that is certainly not going to help my current situation..what would you recommend? (other than the insurance..which does appear to be 15-20/month)

 

[moburkes]

Nothing to recommend. Your son (therefore you) are responsible for the accident. Sorry.

 

[loveumms]

Sounds like this lady has mental issues. Can't blame her for being upset that her son got hurt but, that is what being a kid is all about. Just make sure to not fuel the flames and avoid her, her son and the rest of the family for that matter until it all blows over.

You will be responsible for the bills but, keep your fingers crossed that they were baby teeth and no permanent damage was caused.

 

[lealea1005]

Don't be so hard on yourself.....from what you posted you did the responsible thing (got ice on the injury & immediately called mom)....she sounds like she's the one with issues! Kids are kids and stuff like this happens, even with the most responsible adults around...geez! The saddest part is that your son is learning a hard lesson about people at a young age.

You should be prepared to pay any medical bills (ask for copies of the bills and for a receipt for your records).

Continue to take the high road and encourage your son to do the same....and DO NOT feel bad about the way you handled it!

Good Luck!

 

[MandyD]

What are the laws in PA? I don't know but if this was in NY, the mother isn't automatically liable. In order for the mother to be held liable, negligence on her part or malice on the child's part would have to be proved.

Sometimes accidents are just that, accidents.

 

[shortbus]

Why should SadMom even have to pay medical bills? The fact that she was supervising the outing doesn't make her liable for everything that could possibly happen. If the son's friend jumped onto the golf course as she said, then he did something negligent that caused his injury. What could SadMom, or her son, have done to prevent it? Nothing.