YOUR COMMENTS

OMG! This is ridiculous! Can people not take responsibility for their own actions anymore?

Yes, I feel bad for Mr. Sanchez because he has suffered a debilitating injury that has altered his way of living forever. But common sense prevails in that almost all golf courses warn you to play at your own risk.

The lawyer who took this case was wrong for doing so. Obviously out to collect a quick buck. What a way for the courts to waste tax payer money.

Kind of reminds me of what constantly happens here in "Communisticut."
- Robert, Danbury, CT

You're a grown man take responsibility for your actions. GROW UP, get a job and make a living like the rest of us by working. Not with "blood money".
- Pat, Merrimack, NH

Hey look everybody this could have been a lot worse. He could have spilled coffee between his legs in the golf cart on the way back to the club house.
- Chris, Merriamck

Instead of yelling "Fore" this shinning light yells "Hit me"
Thank Goodness it was a golf club and Golf ball and not a shotgun birdhunting!!!

How can tell if a Lawyer is talking?
After every word he says "Ka-ching" and you cannot see his lips move.
- Frank, Epsom

This is simply disgusting. People like Mr. Sanchez and his lawyers are the reason the United States law system is so screwed up. While this ridiculous law suit is tying up the court system, real criminals who should already be sentenced, in jail or paying fines are waiting, thanking Mr. Sanchez for his idiocy. Lawyers who take on and promote frivolity should be disbarred.
- Deanna, New Durham

This story starts off by saying that he was golfing with 2 or 3 friends, I'm sorry did he not know who he went to play golf with? and secondly, perhaps he sight was already going before the golf game because he was unsure of how many players he was with... Also, how ridiculous of a law firm to pick up a case so far fetched.
- Janet, Manchester,NH

What a joke. Paul Sanchez is a loser and so is his wife (with her emotional garbage) AND the law firm. This frivilous lawsuit should not even be entertained. Throw it out and fine both Sanchez and the law firm for wasting the court's time and resources. What happened to personal responsibility and common sense? Shame, shame on Sanchez for being such an idiot and for bringing such a BS lawsuit.
- Bob, Manchester

This proves what I've thought all along. Golfers should be required by NH state law to wear helmets, eye protection, shin pads, a cup (girls too!!) a chest protector, and sun block. Proper hydration stations with doctors should be set up on hot days and if there is a threat of a thunderstorm, a licensed meteorologist should be on site. Since golfers are sometimes old they should also have defibrillators in four locations accessible by anyone including teenagers and drunk illegal aliens. It should be up to the golf course to provide free protective gear to every golfer at the expense of the course. Maybe I'm all wrong, this sounds like an issue that could be covered in the stimulus package to minimize expense. In the event that a golfer arrives and doesn't speak english, the course should provide a translator. Golf club inspectors should also be available to certify thatthe clubs people use are in adequate condition to minimize the risk of flying clubs as a result of poor grips or a loose club head. The idea that individuals be responsible for their own behavior and do anything at their own risk is absurd. I think it's up to the government to create laws and regulations that protect us from ourselves and others in every situation possible.

Can anyone tell me where to buy a Wii government certified protective helmet for my tennis game??

Any rational responsible judge will throw this case out.
- michael, londonderry

Love to play a game of Nassau with him and his lawyer, Maybe i'll finally win for once..
- William J Tarmey, Pelham

they are a granite obilisk about four feet high standing in the middle of the fairway 150 yards from the center of the corresponding green

Are you kidding me? Granite markers in the middle of the fairway? Never in my 30 yrs of golf have I seen this type of marker placement. If thats they way they are placed Mr Sanchez will soon own his own country club.
- Jay, Vero Beach Fla

But, did he yell fore?
- Joe Lamont, Manchester

Not sure how New Hampshire courts treat tort/negligence cases and whether they use contributory or comparative negligence theory .....but based on the evidence presented in this article, this guy will have a tough time getting any money in this case. I golf plenty and I've never once seen a warning sign for yardage markers. They're common knowledge for anyone who golfs. I don't see how Candia Woods' could be held liable for not warning golfers about yardage markers. What's next? Warning golfers about trees and holes in the green? Sounds like this joker hit a terrible shot that ricocheted right back into his eyeball. Embarrassing and unfortunate, but not worthy of a lawsuit.
- RS, Manchester, NH

First of all, this guy, should have listened to his Mother when she warned him "You'll poke your eye out". Secondly, I hope Candia Woods can re-coup all the lawyer fees from this Bimbo. What a waste of time and money.
- BW, Candia

The only way to stop these frivolous suits is to impose a hefty fine on the law firm that files them.
- Richard, Derry

Remember, its all fun and games till someone looses an eye!
- Doug, Alton

Something similar happened to me once: ball bounced off the windmill and hit me, but I didn't realize I could sue. I've since started using those spongy golf balls and haven't been hurt although it's really driven up my handicap.
- DOUG KILLEN, LACONIA

Happened on the 11th hole?!?!?!....So the markers on the first 10 did not clue him in?
- Ian, Wakefield

A word comes to mind about this guy. IDIOT... He should know that if you hit a ball it will go where you hit it and if you hit something it could ricochet. At least he didn't take out someone elses eye. We are unfortunately living an a society that desperately needs TORT REFORM as we have way too many hyper letigious individuals who think the court is there salvation and too many judges who don't have the sense to throw these letigious idiots out on there rears for the waste of time and tax dollars that could be well spent on something legitimate.
- Bill, Kansas City, KS

i havent showered in a week and i am thinking of suing the soap manufacturer because nobody has wanted to come near me lately
- chesterr, warren

Mr.Sanchez...you now entitled to 10 pity
strokes but hopefully you will not receive a dime for your 'round' in court. For shame Sir....
- tom, concord

I play golf with Judges and lawyers and they joke about this type of lawsuit all the time. I would like to see the jury visit this hole and enact what happened and you will see how dangerous golf can be.
- Peter Flood, francestown

I had a lot of respect for Backus, Meyer Solomon & Branch law firm. (Jon Meyer is outstanding). Something like this does put a damper on my impression of the firm however. I hope the firm drops this one..
- Jim, Manchester

How would you like to play with this golfer? You hit your shot, it hits a tree, comes back and hits him in the leg, and he rolls on the ground and starts screaming "call my lawyer".. Huum... time to ban him from ever playing on any golf course on earth, again. He is a disgrace to the sport of golf..
- tom, manchester, nh

Reading this from the other side of the pond, I'd like to say that I will contribute £10 to the legal costs for the golf course (although how much it will be worth by the time it gets there is another matter).

If I were to sue every time I have hit an obstacle on a golf course, I would be a rich man. I have not and am not.

I'd just like to ask, what colour the sky is on Sanchez's planet and which particular rock his lawyer crawled out from under?
- Peter Haslam, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. UK

What an elegant set up for the kind thoughtful readers of the UL. A chance to claim sympathy for something then after the but claim that your moral plane is higher than this crumb bumb. This is the same type of argument as that about DPW workers standing around a hole while only one person is in the hole digging. It reinforces the idea that a person harmed is not like you and should be castigated for doing what seems best for him. Notice that there is no presentation of all the times when negligence has actually caused harm just one instance to let the insurance companies get off and feel good about themselves. Go read about that lady with third degree burns from the coffee at McDonalds. The courts are doing fine with this sort of thing. There is no need for self-righteousness to be displayed here.
- Robert, Deerfield

What I learned in law school:

1. There is a great distance between filing a lawsuit and winning lawsuit - its even a longer distance to get damage$ in NH.

2. For the price of a filing fee, anyone can sue you for any stupid reason, lawyer or no lawyer.

3. An insurance company will often pay a settlement to get rid of nuisance suits like this rather than defend them. (What do they care, they will just raise the premiums on the business and the business can charge consumers more – right?)

4. For about 20 minutes worth of paperwork and a couple of postage stamps a trial lawyer can take 30% to 40% of a $1,000 to $5,000 settlement mentioned in #3 above. (For us non-business majors that’s somewhere between $300 and $1,500 for 20 minutes or $900 and $4,500 on an hourly basis – but then again there is overhead like an office, staff and yes don’t forget golf club membership for client recruitment.)

5. In spite of hundreds of pages of laws, regulations, “cannons of ethics” the MPRE and Bar Exam some lawyers still can’t seem to navigate the waters of truth, justice and the American way. If they could there wouldn’t be a need of a disciplinary committee, a Board of Bar Overseers or the word disbarment in the legal lexicon. (MPRE is the ethics exam a new lawyer has to take before they can apply to take the bar exam, in some states they passing rate is lower than the actual Bar Exam. FYI, in NH you only have to have a 79% to pass, in Mass you need an 85% to pass – go figure.)
What I didn’t learn in law school, I mostly learned in nursery school:
1. Play fair and share.
2. Accidents happen.
3. You are usually the cause of your own misadventures.
4. When you get hurt it does mean some else is to blame.

Maybe they should add that to the Bar Exam?
- Greg, Londonderry

I have played this course a lot - maybe 20 times this past year. The owners and workers do not deserve this ridiculous negative publicity from a self-inflicted, non rule following, amateur golfer. My dad once went to move his ball from a sprinkler and it went off and damaged his eye from the pressure! As he said "Play at your own Risk" Anyway I hope the duffer is ok. (3 shots to the 150? That is weak) Rules are posted in the clubhouse - pro shop and even inside the riding carts The 11th hole is the hardest hole on the course - there are many many trees on both sides of the fairway HINT: If your ball is behind an immovable object - mover your ball; it's not like you're playing for a million bucks - Feel better. give the course a break - its an awesome place and tell these lawyers, that in a recession, they should actually do "Real" work or better yet - volunteer work to get their names out there..... SINFUL!
- Ralph, Strafford

I hope the country club counter sues and takes all his social security and medicare, this is stupid. I have only been golfing once and I know that balls may boune off those markers, there is no need for a warning. This guy is an idiot.
- bob D, manch NH

I was working at the golf course during this whole thing and the markers are removable and it says it on the cards. "any man made object obstruction your path CAN be moved". This guy was one of the regulars and should know the course well enough to know that. I pretty positive he wont be getting anything out of this.
- Jeff, Candia

As usual, this must be George Bush's fault.
- Jeff, Hooksett

3 shots to get within 150 yards of a par 4. Ugh. I've had days like that...
- Mark, Rochester

Seven years ago I was working at a golf course in NH and one of the golfers teed off and the ball went from his club face to my actual face. An ambulance ride, facial fractures, several stitches, an obvious scar and too many eye doctor appointments to count were all results of this accident. To this day, when I get tired my hit eye turns bloodshot and my vision becomes slightly impaired. There are a few differences between what happened to me and what happened to Mr. Sanchez. First, I did not lose sight in my eye. That is a big difference and I want to stress that. I am in no way saying that this is not a serious injury. Second, I was working. The ball that hit me did not come off my own club, but rather that of another golfer. Thirdly, I realized that it was an accident. It seems to me I had more of a case than Mr. Sanchez, as someone else caused my pain, not my own errant shot. As a result of this, in my opinion, foolish case, I think other businesses should begin posting all necessary warning signs. For the miniature golf courses... Warning: If you hit the ball too hard, it may bounce off the windmill and hit you. Sign waiver in office. For the concession stand at your local ball field... Warning: You might bite your tongue and or lip while eating our food. Sign waiver before chewing. I feel badly that Mr. Sanchez has suffered obvious pain and suffering but I feel worse for the golf course. It wasn't their fault Mr. Sanchez hit a bad shot, although wouldn't we all like to blame someone else for our bad shots?
- Sarah, Camden, ME

Donald- please don't group all of us honest people in with you crooks.
I fell in an icy parking lot at a grocery store and broke my leg. They were so worried I would sue.
I told them I wouldn't and I never did. It's winter in NH- there's going to be ice.
In the long run what will it bring me? Higher prices for insurance and groceries.
Will it make the aches I have now go away? No.
I saw no point in making an ambulance chaser any richer.
My wife tripped on the carpet at a small convienence store. She broke her arm. Same situation with the folks being worried. She didn't sue either.
Common sense people.
The love of money is the root of all evil.
I hope "patch" loses and has to pay them.
- Luke, Bristol

As a kid I caddied for years. Why in gods name would anyone put a yard marker in the middle of a fairway. I've never seen it, and can't comprehend why anyone would do that. They are put on the side, in the rough, so golfers have to look for them to see the distances.

Maybe the golf course was meant for the blind.
- Tom C, Manchester, NH

Look at all the lil angels in here. There isn't a one of you that would'nt go ahead with this lawsuit if you where in his shoes. Lawyers promise big bucks and people eat it up. All you do gooders can spare me the mother Theresa act. Theres a reason lawyers do this type of thing...........because people want it and they win. Period.
- Donald, Manchester

HE is the one who hit the ball as hard as it was hit. If he didn't want to get hurt, he should've hit it softer.
- Derek, Manchester, NH

It took from September, 2006 until now to sue because you can't bring a suit until the injury, if any, has totally stabilized and no further improvement can be expected.

Lawyers are enjoined from bringing frivolous lawsuits. They can be disciplined by the Bar and the courts don't have to accept their lousy filings.
If this lawyer had a history of frivolous suits, the UL would definitely have mentioned it.

But it's the wife's claim for emotional distress that raises my blood pressure. Who isn't distressed when a loved one is injured? Grow up!

Does seem like these folks would sue the manufacturer if they tripped on their untied shoelace.
- EssBee, Los Angeles

"I would guess less than six feet."

Good point, and on that note, here's another...

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. What did he think was going to happen? I know nothing about golf but I do know that when you hit (or throw, etc) a hard round object in the general area of something else that is hard there's a good chance it could back at you. Whatever happened to common sense?
- AJG, Lancaster

I hope he assessed himself a two stroke penalty for deflecting a ball in motion!
- Doug, Hooksett, NH

My husband was struck in the back by another golfer's ball. It knocked him flat on his face. The other guy felt terrible. After being checked out by a medic and sign a waiver that he did not seek further medical attention he was able to continue his round. All he asked for was a drink from the guy to releive his guilt. Some people still have integrity and a sense of fair play.
- Linda, Deerfield

"It's not a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes kind of thing," Scotch said.

Yea... Right. Me thinks the lady doeth protest too much...

On a related note, the Eagles did a song called "Get Over It" which contains the words

"You say you haven't been the same since you had your little crash
But you might feel better if I gave you some cash..."

I think that's what's going on here.

In the immortal words of William Shakespear, “first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers”. Not that I'd advocate this extreme violence, but maybe he has a point...
- Collin, Manchester

Does this mean the broken fingers I suffered 30 years ago riding my dirt bike when I hit a metal pole put in by the state is a sueable offense - I mean my pinkies are crooked as heck now. Wait I could sue Yamaha to - no warning sticker that riding wheelies could be dangerous. Please, please Candia Woods don't settle out of court on this and ask for HIM to pay all associated costs
- Mike, Concord, NH

Barry M. Scotch - Attorney
Backus, Meyer Solomon & Branch - Manchester Law Firm

These are the folks that we should be talking about. I have sympathy for the guy - he lost vision in one eye. That really sucks.

But the law firm. No pity man. Let see how they like their name in the lights.
- Don Lane, Bow, NH

What if he wrenched his back? Sue the club maker for not telling him he could hurt his back by swinging the club? Any sport involving projectiles is dangerous and if you play you should be accepting the risk. Which reminds me. Who can I sue? People keep shooting hockey pucks at me!
- Kevin, Nashua

Wait I was just thinking, he was hitting his 4th shot and wasn't yet at the 150 yard marker???? what did Candia Woods make like a par 10 hole???
- Johnny, bedford

"This isn't Russia Danny, is it?"
- Brad, Hooksett, NH

Paul...shame on you. What you've done is rediculous and disgusting. I think the owner of the golf course should counter sue you for wasting the courts time and the taxpayer's money. It's people like you that make this world a bad place. You might have more money now, but like so many movie stars have shown us.....MONEY BUYS A LOT OF THINGS BUT IT DOESN'T BUY CLASS.
- Tracy, Manchester, NH

No offense to the guy who lost sight and all but, let this go to a jury. If he gets any of the people posting in this article on the jury, he'll be dragged out in the street and beaten.
- Jay, Londonderry

The joke will be on him when he receives no $ but owes his lawyer an hourly rate. People with pursue these lawsuits as long as lawyers are willing to represent them. Worse yet, my stomach turns every time I see an ad from a lawyer offering to get someone off charges for DUI. Were these lawyers raised with no conscience??? Hiding under the umbrella of upholding the constitution, blah blah blah, this is just plain wrong.
- Renee, Exeter

Took so long for this lawsuit to surface is because he need to find a lawyer that doesn't golf.
- Matt, Nashua

Mr. Scotch left out that Mr. Sanchez is also suing his golf instructor who advised him to "always keep your eyes on the ball". Sorry, but I had to say it.
- ramon, manchester

Well when I'm at the driving range, I'm always aiming for the signs and the guy driving the car around sucking up the golf balls...maybe this is the same with him. Thank you UL for reporting this, otherwise we would have not know about this...makes you wonder what is currently being heard in the courts right now.
- Steve, Derry

I'm experiencing a lot of emotional stress reading these posts -- I'm going to sue this newspaper/site and all internet properties, as there is no warning that reading websites could cause emotional stress...
- Paul Sanchez, Manchester

New Hampshire isn't known for generous juries. My guess is that this case will eventually settle, and not for much.
- Chris L, Manchester

I don't know about that course but there are signs prominently displayed on the course where I work clearly stating "THE GOLFER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER OWN SHOT AND THE RESULTS THEREOF" Dumbass should sue himself
- Loren, Concord, CA

ambulance chasing.....now we have golf cart chasing.....
- Jane South, Deerfield NH

Ok so I was starting to feel a little sorry for him til they said his wife was also suing for her emotional damage???? Now that tears any credibility from the entire suit!!
- Andrew, Franklin

Don't kid yourself! This is step one! I just checked a dozen pack of golf balls! Nowhere on this package does it say that " This product could be hazardous to your health if you hit this ball off a yardage marker andhit bounces back and hits you in the eye! Move over Callaway, this lawsuit moves in front of yours!
- Rob, Pelham

A couple of things:

First, this puts the term frivolous lawsuit into a whole new category. How pathetic is this. His lawyer just became a laughinstock amongst his peers.
Unless they are jealous they did not think of doing this themselves, of course.

Second, did he say it was his 3rd shot from 150 to make himself look good? Or was he actually hitting #6?

Third, this occassional golfer should have taken dead aim at the marker to ensure he would have not gotten anywhere near hitting it.
- Steve, Auburn

Ambulance chasing and GREED at its best!! I guess these two idiots have no shame about it. I would NOT want to show my face anywhere if I were these two jackasses.
- Dave, Manchester

Most golf score cards make reference to the rules...usually that play is goverened under USGA rules, or something to that effect. If he wasn't so "negligent" he would have educated himself on the rules and risks of a game before playing. Liek the fact that markers can be moved!!! Part of basic golf rules. What about that Atty. Scotch?

Sometimes there is a disclaimer on the scorcard also. Golfers are more often hit by other golfer's balls. I mean..."shots".

I golf at least once a week, 2 or 3 if the time permits and have golfed all over NH and MA and FL. Most courses "cover their A**" with some sort of disclaimer on the scorecard or reciept.

They are probly only excpecting a nuisance pay off. Insurance will estimate what it would cost to defend the golf course, and pay them off a portion of it. its not about right or wrong, it's how much it will cost in the end.

This is an unfortuante story. But, as a golfer, Ill visit Candia Woods more often to help with the legal bills this season.
- david, nashua

Ok, ok, we can all agree that this law suit is ridiculous. This is the “nanny state” this country has been moving towards for years and the Obama administration is helping matters. You have to hand it to him; my first obstacle was trying to keep my eye on the ball. He certainly nailed that down…ba, da bump!
- Kevin, Manchester, NH

It is amazing what people will do in a bad economy!

So, he played 10.5 holes before he realized there are yardage markers in the fairways??? I guess that's what happens when you never hit fairways!

"Hey Sanchez, ever think to pull the marker out of the ground???"
- Matt, Nashua

I hope he enjoyed his "occasional" golfing experiences, because he will never see another link in this area. No golf course operator in their right mind will ever let him play on their course again.
- Frank, Manchester

ARRGH! Doesn't anyone take responsibility for their own actions anymore? Fight Candia Woods, FIGHT!
- Susan, Exeter

Here's one for the Stella Awards (named after Stella Liebeck - the McDonalds coffee lady)
- Larry, Nashua

WOW that sure was fun!! I haven't had this much fun reading "READER COMMENTS" in quite a long while ... thanks, Mr. Sanchez!!
- Linda, Exeter

This reminds of playing on a par 5 hole on the Cape. My buddy hit a rocket hook that bounced off a tree and came back out into the fairway further down the course. His next shoot was a slice that hit a water fountain and came back out onto the fairway. The next shoot was watched by all as it also hooked into the woods but bounced off a rock and came out onto the fairway. His fourth shoot went slice and , yes you guessed it , struck a pole for a fence that bounced it out onto the fairway again. By then we were all muttering and grumbling. His 5th shoot was skulled and was a screamer as it was traveling about 6 feet off the ground in a straight line shot over the green. Just one trouble is it hit the pin and spun back to land about 3 feet from the hole. He did make his putt and the rest of us complained about how he really made the game sux.

Now I figure I should have 5 reasons to file a law suit against the course plus all of the rest of us there can claim emotional distress because we played fair and square and the golf course facilitated his cheating.
- Don Armstrong, Henniker

Please don't sue me for nitpicking, but the legal term for unjustly slamming someone in print is "libel".
- Marc, Derry

why doesn't he sue the golf ball company for not warning him that golf balls BOUNCE
- Johnny, Bedford

Sorry for your loss. And moving on, we will only all be safe when golf courses put up markers warning golfers that -"Warning: Markers Ahead" Go Nanny State!
- Bob H, Londonderry

A clear example of someone not taking responsibility for his own actions. The American way is to blame some one else and sue. Real Good. I feel sorry for the guy but give me a break.
- STEVE WARD, PIERMONT NH

"playing golf and getting hit by yourself in the eye is as arrogant "
Joe, how is playing golf and getting hit by yourself arrogant?
- Jeff, Manchester

Jeff-Manchester, you better be careful or I might sue for nick-picking about using slander instead of liable - normally liable is written which is why I used slander. I may sue now because you have pointed out that I might have made a mistake and my feelings are hurt. I don't know if I can ever work again. I wonder if I can get this same Attorney, ya think? All and all it is sad that this man lost his eye and I am sure his wife suffered, as that what happens when you have an injured spouse, you feel their pain. Candia Woods isn't responsible for this, but I will bet this Attorney's phone is ringing off the hook with more "savy" lawsuits, great advertising very cheap.
- Pat, Manchester, NH

Removalbe Obstruction !!

If he hit the ball and it ricocheted back into him, the yardage marker was obviously in his line of sight to the green. Pick up the marker, lay it out of the way, hit your shot, and place the marker back.
- Brian, Dover

I really like like the yardage markers at Candia Woods. You can't miss them....

For those that are wondering what they look like they are a granite obilisk about four feet high standing in the middle of the fairway 150 yards from the center of the corresponding green. I wish every course had them as they make a great target and, in my opinon, speed up the game.

I'm sorry Mr Sanchez but as a golfer myself I know that if there was a chance that your ball would hit anything you should have took your medicine and played around the obstruction, score be dammed. That is the very essence of golf!!

ALL courses have obstructions both manmade and natural. These obstructions are what makes golf the game that it is. If there were no obstructions it wouldn't be much of a game would it?

Also, the rules of golf allow you to drop for an unsafe lie such as yours. Why didn't you drop? Was your "occasional golf" score that important to you?? If I was playing with you and you had an unsafe lie IN THE FAIRWAY I wouldn't have objected to a FREE drop.

I know that if you were trying to make the green from that distance you were probably using a 7 or 8 iron. With either of these clubs you wouldn't have had the loft to get over the marker as close as you had to be to get that ricochet. By the way how close was he? I would guess less than six feet.

I'm sorry for your loss Mr. Sanchez but you obviously had many opportunities to avoid your incident. I don't think you have a case.
- JSF, Manch

Burden of proof probably on plaintiff since courts generally consider that sports participants accept the risk of the dangers that exist in their sport, barring negligence or malicious intent. However, there is at least one precedent of a similar case involving a driving range where the parties settled before trial for $1 million, the limit of defendent's insurance coverage. If you had a chance for $1 million to cope with your blindness, would you take the chance or just accept your handicap and say those are the breaks?
- Brian, W. Manchester

Sounds like he is trying to make up for poor performing stocks by suing the golf course for ridgid yardage markers.

I wonder why he doesn't sue the club maker for making the ridgid club head that allow the ball to be hit in such a fast manner. Or why doesn't he sue the golfball manufacturer for making the ball to hard, maybe this guy should have been using one of my kids nerf golf balls.
- Bob S, Manchester

Golf balls bounce off objects when they hit them.

What a novel concept! I bet nobody ever heard of such a thing! How could anyone be so irresponsible to have anything on a golf course like trees, equipment lockers, flags with poles, distance markers, etc. ad nauseum.

There is absolutely no difference with Mr Sanchez being hit and injured by his own ricocheting ball, and being hit by another golfer's bad shot. The person hitting the ball is responsible for the behavior of that ball, nobody else.

Take that lawsuit and throw it the heck out.
- Michael D. Houst, Barrington, NH

Maybe he should sign up for lessons!
- Deb, Southern NH

I have news for you...just because you say it "isn't a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes kind of thing" doesn't mean that it isn't. Our legal system needs an overhaul...
- Bill R, Manchester, NH

Two words:

HELMET LAW!

Don't worry, people, the government will now step in to protect you from yourselves.
- Donna S, Manchester

He played 11 holes without noticing the markers? Since they are in the middle of the fareway, that doesn't seem right to me. Part of the suit alleges that he should have been informed that the markers could be removed during play, implying that he saw the object and simply tried to play around it instead checking to see if it could be removed and replaced. Of course, all of this is from a guy who was golfing with 2-3 friends. Which is it, 2 or 3? If he can't remember this detail, then how can he be trusted to remember whether he was warned about them or not. The emotional distress portion obviously has no leg. Its called life. You can't successfully sue for emotional distress as a result of a car accident, why would the lawyer think that this would fly?

I really hope that this goes to court rather than being settled, because this guy did this to himself and I'm sure that a jury would agree.

It probably took him 2 years to find an attorney who would take the case.

Pat, in print its liable, and don't worry, it being the truth is an unbeatable defense, besides, he has to be able to prove damages to get anything.

Chris, this is a civil case. There is no such thing as wrongful prosecution in a civil case, because there is no prosecutor. Civil courts are there so that people can deal with issues in a civilized manner without fear of reprisal for bringing your complaint forward. I too hope that they fight rather than settle though.

Bryan, the problem with your theory is that it benefits those with more money. If someone with a legitimate case files suit against someone with deep pockets, they could end up losing and having to pay for the team of lawyers that they couldn't afford to have on their side.

Susan, when a non injured party is suing for emotional distress, you can bet that they are going to be asking for a big number.
- Jeff, Manchester

I can't imagine that this guy will have a single friend after this. I wouldn't let him within 10 feet of anything I own for fear of being sued.
- Dennis, Hooksett

If he hit a tree and the ball hit him in the eye, would they have to cut down all the trees?
- Tom, Henniker

I wish to thank Mr. Sanchez. Because of you my faith in the retail market has been returned. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine purchased a superman costume for his son. While putting it on him he noticed that along with all of the usual warnings was one in particular that stood out. It said "cape does not enable wearer to fly". When he told me this I said what kind of moron would think otherwise. I have finally found that moron.

Thank you.
- Chappy, Concord

What's next, take down all the trees, don't allow golf carts on the coarse, and leave all golf bags twenty yards behind you before hitting your ball? All the warnings signs you put up won't control where the ball goes, if you hit like me. Attention All Golfers -Next time you hit a tree and get hit - file a suite, we know the law firm that will handle your case.

Lets get real - golfing could be hazarded to your health.
- John, Nashua

Well we are the land of victims and big cash rewards now. Accidents don't just happen they are someone fault as if on purpose. It's not enough to simply help pay the hospital costs now you deserve to retire as if you won the lottery.

We elect lawyers to office who appoint judges who make lawyers rich with the laws they pass. Mean while we wonder why our medical costs, insurance costs, and product costs skyrocket. Where do you think the labels come from warning you dog treats are not for human consumption or that using a firearm as a hammer are a risk to your health?

Stupid people becoming millionaires for be stupid does not create a smarter society, but does cost all of us in the long run and as always we elect those who create this kind of society. I blame Bush and conservatives myself.
- Ross, Derry

What year are we in, I believe 2009, when did this happen 2006...almost 3 years ago and he just figured out he cannot see out of his eye....Give me a break.....just looking for some easy cash....Hope Candia Woods wins this one....and maybe next time, 150 yards out Par 4 and hitting 4....Par 3 course or maybe just a putt putt course.....watch out for that windmill hole...
- Vinn, Bedford, NH

One entry on the new list of warnings at the golf club:

#866. Caution, if it rains you might get wet
- ken, Nashua

I love the irony that an 'occasional' golfer lives on Country Club Drive.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

Everywhere I have played golf, yard markers are pavers level with the playing surface or while stakes on the side of the fairway. Perhaps Candia Woods can change their setup a bit to avoid this happening in the future. Leave the guy alone, his lawsuit might actually have some merit. I think the wife is actually asking for loss of companionship which is fairly common in injury lawsuits.
- Gary, Berlin

He wants to be informed that the 150 yard markers are dangerous!!?! We better also tell him he could drown if he goes into the water hazards!!! There should be a penalty for people that bring these lawsuits that clog up the court systems, something that really hurts the wallet.
- Steve, Merrimack

It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye. But seriously the markers are NOT in the middle of the fairway but off to the side giving people plenty of room to hit their ball by them. what if it had been a rock or tree that ricocheted the ball, are they going to sue for where a tree grows?
- Dana, Manchester

this sorry excuse for a human and a golfer should whack himself with a 5 iron...that might get his vision back! what a sad state of affairs we are in when something this stupid is being considered for trial! god help us!
- fpc, manchester

Here in Pennsylvania we tend to hit our third shot on a 400 yard hole with a putter or at least a lob wedge from just off the green. I am sure that most golfers will do the same most of the time. At over 150 yards out one can only surmise that lessons are needed not only to duck but to hit the ball correctly. Maybe his wife will buy him lessons with her share of the court settlement. If you have not noticed most people are having a hard enough time paying bills and working for a living, playing golf and getting hit by yourself in the eye is as arrogant as Wall Street bankers that paid a bonus to themselves with our tax money then complained that it was not enough. I say throw the case out and put this idiot and his wife in the stock on public display for greed and stupidity.
- Joe, Stroudsburg< Pa

Susan in Raymond, while I appreciate your willingness to hear the other side the reality is you don't file suit unless you are seeking monetry damages.
As for flexible markers how about this: When you golf, accept responsibility for your errant shot. The markers have a place and sure, they could be flexible plastic but what about sprinkler heads, trees and other obstacles that just occur from the fact you are on a golf course?
This suit does not have any legs and should be dismissed by any reasonable judge.
- Jeff, Manchester

I thougth I heard Obama say something about America 'ushering in a new era of personal responsobility'....
Lawsuits like this are embarassing to me as an American.
- Dan, Manchester, NH

Pathetic. Everyone's looking to make a quick buck. Own up to your own error in judgement. He'll probably sue the golf club or ball manufacturer after this. The ball is too dimpled, the club is too hard.
- Jennifer, Baltimore

I think the responsibility lies directly with Candia Woods. They should have signs up that say "WARNING! YARD MARKER AHEAD! DON'T HIT IT". Then they should have had another sign, "WARNING! WARNING SIGN AHEAD! DON'T HIT IT". Then another sign, and another sign, ...

The good part is they won't have to mow the course anymore. There will be too many signs.

Lawyers like this will never feel shame. That part of their wiring was never installed, which is why they got to be that kind of lawyer in the first place. The thing is, I know a couple lawyers, and they are fine people. The scumbags drag their names down in the slime, and it's not fair.

I, too, feel that if someone brings a suit and loses, they should pay all court and defendant costs. But who are you going to complain to? Most of Congress are lawyers, and the others are beholding to them.
- Marc, Derry

Mr. Sanchez, you should be ashamed of yourself. Mrs. Sanchez, you should be too. People must take responsibilities for two things in life - their own actions and the unfortunate accident. Why are we a nation of blamers? What happened to personal responsibility. I won't fail to call out Atty. Scotch in these actions as well. Yes, it's your job and you get paid to litigate these cases. It's too bad you don't chose to accept only cases which cleary evidence gross neglect rather than selfish clients.
- Sean, Manchester

I think it is interesting that in one sentence the lawyer says It's not a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes kind of thing,"

Then two sentences later "Mary Ellen Sanchez, his wife, is also a party to the suit, claiming emotional damage."

Seriously? that's pathetic.

Susan, Raymond
While I agree that they haven't said an amount and if all they are asking for is a sign that's wonderful but if that were true why would the wife sue for emotional damage? Maybe the golf course should buy her a sign too "NO WHINING"
- SMC, Henniker

This is no joke. I saw that same yard marker "whack" a group of people on Elm Street the other day. No warning either. Just came out of nowhere. The group tried to fend the marker off but it was to rigid. Someone call the crime line.
- Marc, Hooksett

He should sue his mother for being born.
- Bill Kaiser, Tuftonboro

This is everything that is wrong with America today.
- Michael, Concord

You gotta be kidding! He's hitting 4 from more than 150 yards away on a par 4 !! He should be sued for slow play - talk about emotional distress, how about the group behind him?
- Kevin, Manchester

haha I can't believe this. Yes it's horrible he lost his vision but come ON. And his WIFE is trying to claim emotional damage for herself?!?!? Oy vey people....
- Susan, Manchester,NH

This man, his wife and his lawyer should be ashamed. I sincerely hope they don't get a penny. Please Candia Woods don't settle.
How much will our greens fees go up because of this bozo. I am so sorry he got hurt but it was the risk he decided to take when he decided to play golf.
I guess his friends must feel lucky that they didn't hit the ball that bounced and hit the fellow. He'd be suing them too.

Should we start a fund to help Candia Woods offset their legal bills?
- Amy, Henniker

Obviously this has been said a whole bunch- but what JOKE! What a waste of time and money for NH! People are out of control and suing for no reason! And the wife! Seriously!?!?! Emotional distress!?!?!? You have got to be kidding me! I actually laughed out loud when I read that she was suing too. Ban him from the golf course. Perhaps the jury should award him corrective lenses and thats it! Idiot.
- Alex, Manchester

Sue for what? The guy should sue himself for not learning how to get the ball off the ground. Emotional disstress maybe she should have looked to the future to see that her husband would only have use of one eye. Maybe it is the eye that thought she was beautiful. Oh well, just another money happy person that wants to milk someone else for their hard earned money. You know GOD is watching and he is making a nice home for you in HELL. Good luck.
- Chris, Levittown, NY

It's a good thing Mr. Sanchez was not playing a miniture golf course. He may have lost his arm at the windmill hole.
- Stephen, Lowell, MA

Does this surprise anyone? Stay home for a day and watch the commercials on daytime television.
A few of my favorites:
"Injured through no fault of your own?"
"Have you or a family member taken drug 'x'?"
And my all time favorite:
"You may be injured and not even know it."

We have bred a culture of people who feel they have the right to put their hands in my pockets. Look at the results of the last election.
- Wayne, Manchester

I've got to play the devil's advocate. All these comments and not one in support of a guy who went out to play golf and ended up losing an eye. He hasn't asked for a monetary figure. Perhaps all he really wants is to highlight the dangers, make people aware, and get golf courses everywhere to make changes, like the ones mentioned in the article, to minimize the danger. Maybe all it would take is signs that flex or absorb the impact so the ball can't ricochet like it did.
- Susan, Raymond

Sorry for Mr. Sanchez injury, however what a ridiculous and shameful action. I hope he didnt spill a hot coffee on his lap too, he could double dip on that...

Attorney Scotch..this type of action is what gives lawyers bad reputations. Utterly disgusting!!!
- Frank, Manchester

Not only should the lawsuit be dismissed...but this idiot should be penalized a stroke for illegally contacting the ball.....with his EYE!

Where's his card???
- Mark, Bedford

When the lawyer for the plaintiff has to come out to the news and claim that the suit is not frivolous THEN THE SUIT IS FRIVOLOUS! LOL

Here is a golf tip from one amateur to another: When you hit the ball, make sure the ball ha some loft so it doesn't hit any markers on the fairway. That will prevent injry.

This whole case is a joke and the fact that any lawyer would actually bring this suit forward is a joke. I hope that Candia Woods gets some high paid lawyer to defend them for free just to show how much of a joke this suit really is. DON"T SETTLE. Let this case go to a jury.

One last bit of advice from an amateur golfer to another: READ THE RULES. When you see a marker, try not to hit it.

This case should be filed under the DUHHHHHHH law.
- Jeff, Manchester

Tort reform will never happen unless we the people demand it. Trial lawyers are some of the biggest donors & lobbyists to politicians.

As a start, I'd like to see a very basic law passed in that if you sue and lose, you have to pay for the other side's legal fees. That one law alone would drastically cut these ridiculous lawsuits.

I'm sorry this man got injured, but he chose to engage in a risky activity and he got hurt.

If this man was so concerned about the risk of getting hurt, why didn't he inquire into the type of material the markers were made of before playing? Once he found out the material, he could then setup his own scientific laboratory and determine how rigid the markers ought to be for his liking.

Is that last sentence in that paragraph ridiculous? Of course it is, but it underscores the problem with the law in that risk aversion is too often taken to the extreme. What if this golfer's ball hit a hardwood tree and bounced into his eye? Would he sue the course for not planting softwood trees instead of hardwood trees? Where does this madness end?? This case must be dismissed.
- Bryan, Nashua

This is nothing more than settlement chasing.

The lawyer knows this will never go to trial, but that Candia Woods' insurer will cave in and offer a $20k check because its cheaper than fighting the claim. Horrible.

I say to that insurer and to Candia Woods, FIGHT!!! Stand up for your rights, and win the case. Then countersue for wrongfull prosecution and make an example out of this guy. Let his insurance company pay a claim for your legal fees to defend a frivelous allegation. Let Mr Sanchezand either be dropped or have his rates raised though the roof.

Lawyers will stop encouraging people from filing frivelous lawsuits only when these people and the laywers who represent them start being held accountable after their cases are tossed out.
- Chris, Bow

Wow, what a freak accident. It IS still an accident however. Every golfer knows that there are markers on a course.....or they complain when there aren't any! I feel really bad for the guy since he was hurt but I can't see the golf course, the equipment or anything else being at fault here. Just a bad shot that took a ridiculous bounce.
- JG, Londonderry

I've never played a course that DIDN't have 150 markers on Par 4s & 5s.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

Typical weekend 'hacker' who should have been playing at a par 3 course, more suited for his ability, or inability I should say. You know how bad of a golfer you have to be in order to accomplish this feat? This guy is an idiot, hope Candia Woods survives this ordeal. Hacker
- Chris, Milford, NH

If you make pains to say, "It's not a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes kind of thing," then it is obviously a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes kind of thing.

I hope this gets laughed out of court.
- Mark, Manchester

I think we should also demand that all trees be removed from golf courses. I can't tell you how many trees I've hit and had the ball ricochet back at me or other golfers. Perhaps helmets and goggles should be mandatory!
- Nancy, Bedford, NH

Careful now, he might be sue all of us who are saying unkind things about him, after all (slander) giving a negative image. This writer agrees with all of you, there is risk everyday. I slipped on the outside stairs last week going out to pick up my Union Leader, should I sue the plow guy or the UL for not delivering right to my front door, or my husband for not putting the salt in exactly the right place, I am dizzy just thinking about all the possibilities.
- Pat, Manchester, NH

If the guy didn't lose his eye it would have been a great video for U TUBE . You gotta love the fact that his wife is filing for emotional damage . She was emotionally damaged when she married the guy . The jury should award them both golf lessons and nothing else .
- Lew, Manchester

I agree with many others.YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING!!!!!Shame on the lwayer who took this case.When do we need to be responsible for possible dangers with our choices of fun?Ex. ,sowmobiling,hiking,racecar drivers etc..
- karen shutt, manchester nh

if he hit a tree and had the same unfortunate result, would his attorney claim he couldn't see the trees for the forest - pun intended?

If any court in this land gives the absurdity of this alleged lawsuit more than two minutes attention, that would be the crime.

Clearly the man ought to see - pun intended - the error of his ways.
- RG, Manch

I can't find the words to describe my disbelief that some attorney is going to take this one. He must not be a golfer that's for sure. He probably has a home on a golf course somewhere, you know along the 8th fairway, and is pissed because of those stupid golfers going into his backyard to retrieve their wayward shots. Looking in his windows and stuff. Interrupting his barbecues. Probably has No-Trespassing signs too.
- James Burton, Brentwood

Well, I suppose if one can sue the tobacco companies for their cigarettes giving you cancer, and McDonalds for making you overweight, then why not sue the golf course? If he knew anything about golf, then he knew that the markers were there, and I'm sure they were out in plain sight for all to see.
I just spilled hot coffee on myself, I think I'll sue the cafe for making it too hot and causing me to burn myself! What a joke!
- Tammy, Manchester

Another frivolous lawsuit filed by a BOTTOM FEEDING LAWYER. I hope Candia Woods fights this all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- David Robichaud, Vero Beach,Fl

What if the ball had hit a tree? Could he then sue God for making trees too hard and therefore unsafe anywhere?
- Wendy, Raymond

Sounds crazy, but if you lost the eye you might be not so inclined to act in moderation. Why have any sympathy for the insurance company covering a golf course? Any port in a storm as they say.
- Arnold, Manchester

He's only suing because he was gonna double bogey the hole...
- steve, nashua

This guy and his attorney are losers. It's sad to see that we have people like this making headlines in NH. I'd like to think that this gets thrown out of court and doesn't proceed but know all to well that unfortunately there will likely be an out of court settlement and Sanchez will be sitting pretty. Get a life pal, think about the soliders coming back from war right now missing limbs, total vision, being completly handicapped or losing their life. You should step back and think about where your ACCIDENT rates compared to everything else going on.
- Ben, Portsmouth

This is a perfect example of the lack of personal responsibility in America today.
This man caused his injury but it is someone else's fault.Perhaps the legislature should make a law to specifically govern dangerous yardage markers in order to protect us from ourselves.
- Lance Mumford, Bluffton SC

Hey, at least this didn't happen in MA. If it did, there would be new legislation on the way that would force you to wear a helmet when you play golf.
- Zim, Manchester

I thought the whole concept of "play at your own discretion" was par for the course? (evil grin)
- Melanie, Manchester

You know what they say, "justice is blind." But this guy is dumb.
- Bob, Bedford

Want to see what a jury would think of this case Mr. Scotch? Just read these comments - cut your losses and drop this!
- Joe, Manch

What an absolute JOKE! Why not sue the golf ball company for making the ball bounce, or the club company for creating the instrument to hit the ball. Here's an idea for Mr. Sanchez....don't hit the ball towards the object? Any normal person knows that if you hit/kick.throw a ball at a fixed object....it will bounce back. PLEASE, please, PLEASE pick me to hear this civil case....This is a waste of the court's time!!!!!
- Steve, Manchester

Good point Ron he was going down bogie road. Another point is this how close to the sign was this guy when he hit the ball? Sounds like he was right in front of it to have no reaction time to get out of the way. I hope this guy gets everything due him like, having to pay the defendants court fees, getting his case thrown out, and so on. Ambulance chasers and idiots are taking this country down.
- Dave, Goffstown

An ambulance chasing lawyer...suing the insurer of the course for $$$$ and walking away with a third of the $$$...just wait til you see your greens fees go up after this...as it we golfers who ultimately pay for the courses insurance. Goyya love the american legal system
- Bruce Witte, Windham, NH

Hello!!! He made it to the 11th hole and was on his third attempt, so when did he realize that they did not have any saftey warnings? 2006, I don't claim to be the brightest light bulb, but all most 3 years later and now you have an issue.
Some question I would ask is: Did you have any eye protection on? How many times have you played before?
- Mike, Italy

Hitting a 3rd shot on the 11th hole and still not past the 150 yard marker?? Wow, this guy should never have been on the course in the first place!! Sadly I have been behind "golfers" like this my whole life!! Thats why we have 5 hour rounds!!

Seriously, this suit is a joke..
- Peter, Candia

Who can I sue? I'm experiencing emotional distress just reading this article. I think the Union Leader should have warned me that there might be distressing stories on their website. I'm sure it's someone else's fault. Maybe the lawyer who brought this action?

Take note of this "law" firm. They should suffer public ridicule. Why should we pay for this? Let juries decide not only liability but financial liability for the cost of trials. That will cut down of these predatory lawyers.
- Larry, Auburn

I would have thought there was a discaimer somewhere that says that are inherrent risks to playing golf... Much like on the back of a baseball ticket, it warns you might get hit by a foul ball etc. Too bad so few can take the fun out of life being a fool.
- Jeffrey Allen, Athol, MA

"Failing to warn him about the markers"? He wasn't blind when he got there, was he? This looks like another case of the "someone else has to be responsible for my actions" mentality. I hope the judge has the sense to throw this one out.
- Steve, Manchester

This is absolutely pathetic. Paul, you should be ashamed of yourself. Be a man, and take responsibility for yourself!
- David, Manchester

You have GOT to be kidding!! He willingly plays golf and is an "occasional" player. If he has played at all then he should know the rules. Just so happens he hits the ball in the wrong direction and now he wants the golf course to pay?? Its called an ACCIDENT for a reason! Whats this world coming to when you can sue someone so easily for something so accidental? Yes, he lost his vision but it wasnt the golf courses fault it was his own!
- Susan, Candia NH

"It's not a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes kind of thing," Scotch said."

Wrong! That is exactly what it is. Unbelievable.
- Frank, Candia

When an attorney is forced to say that a lawsuit is, "...not a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes-kind of thing.", the lawsuit is obviously a frivolous, run-it-up-the-flagpole-and-see-who-salutes kind of thing. Did I read correctly the individual in question was hitting his third shot and was still over 150 yards away? I would be too embarrassed to actually file this suit. Ambulance chasing at its best.
- Ron, Manchester

Perhaps since Mr. Sanchez is clearly not capable of taking responsibility for his own safety the court should appoint a care taker to baby proof his house for him so he doesn't fall down the stairs and sue the carpenter who built them for not warning him of the dangers of gravity.
way to waste the courts time.
- Matt, Manchester

Hope this idiot enjoys the backlash he receives for filing such a ridiculous lawsuit which will cost the taxpayers and our courts time and money. This lawfirm must be hiding behind the ambulances. A suit like this is the pure definition of frivolous and I hope anybody of any character avoids utilizing their scumbag services.
- Eddie Odey, Epsom

This has to be one of the most frivolous lawsuits i've ever seen, it's not the golf courses fault this guy can't hit the ball straight.
- Kevin, Hampstead

Are you kidding me??? What an idiot.
- Sam, Manchester

Tort Reform please.

Once you make the plantiff pay the defendents attorney fees and the court fees should he lose his case you'll see a major drop in frivolous lawsuits like this.
- John II, Manchester

See why we need tort reform, people?
- Mike R., Bedford

Puh-leeze! I mean, I feel sorry for the dude losing sight in his eye, but this is absurd... A clear example of the "blame someone else and make them pay" attitude that is prevalent in society nowadays. Hey, stuff happens. If he was close enough for the ball to come back at him in the blink of an eye, apparently, Sanchez was close enough to see the marker and know it was there. Take a little responsibility, buddy. And why did it take 2+ years to decide to sue? Retirement portfolio down and you need the cash? What a crock.
- Thom, Hummelstown, PA

It shouldn't be too long before someone sues a golf course because a player tripped on/in a divot a previous player did not replace. Or has that been done already?

The gentleman might have a case, at least for medical bills, but really not some extravagant amount equal to Manny Ramirez' salary!

One thing puzzles me. Why did it take from September 2006 until now to sue?
- Guy Plante, Manchester