Child Electrocuted at Miniature Golf Course in Florida

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 12, 2012

The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner recently issued a ruling in the death of an 11-year-old girl from Latham, NY, at a southwest Orange County miniature golf course. The autopsy revealed that the child was accidentally electrocuted when she reached into a small pond to retrieve a golf ball. The girl was playing mini golf around 2 p.m. at the Orange Lake Resort on Irlo Bronson Highway when her ball went into a small concrete pond around two feet deep. She cried out after reaching into the water but was unable to pull herself back out.

A man playing mini golf nearby heard the screams and ran to rescue the girl but was unable to save her and also suffered an injury in the attempted rescue. Orange County code enforcement officials conducted an investigation after the incident and found that electrical breakers powering the fountain in the pond had been improperly replaced. According to Orange County Division of Building Safety codes, ground-fault interruption, or GFI breakers, are required for any ponds with submersible pumps, as well as swimming pools and hot tubs.

However, non-GFI breakers were installed at the mini golf course, which led to this tragic incident. Investigators speculated that water could have seeped into the pump motor, wiring or electrical connection, which caused the water to become electrically charged and the electrocution of the girl.

The resort issued this statement soon after the incident:

"Orange Lake Resort holds the safety and well-being of our guests and employees as our top priority and concern. The miniature golf facility where the incident happened is closed and will not re-open until further notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests, their families and friends during this time."

No court award or settlement can replace a child’s life, but given the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, her parents would be entitled to seek damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Any damages could be used to help with funeral expenses, pay for counseling to help her parents and siblings through this and other expenses. If you have lost a close family member due to negligence and have questions about your rights, the law and your legal options, call Orlando wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004. Unlike other Orlando personal injury attorneys, he handles every aspect of each client’s case personally and has a reputation for giving each client and case the individual attention they deserve.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.