Who pays when a golf ball damages a condo?

Living in a South Florida condominium community on or near a golf course is generally considered a good thing, bringing higher real estate values and peaceful views of hills, sand and greens.

• But living with a golf course comes with downsides, such as misfired balls striking

Nobody came forward, she said, to admit responsibility for any of the incidents.

Do you have any legal recourse against the golf course or their community associations to cover damage. "And who will pay the hospital bill if I get hurt?" The residents are responsible out-of-pocket for damage.

The golfers are supposed to contact owners when they cause damage and offer to pay for it, but owners may ultimately have to cover the costs — or file an insurance claim if appropriate — if that doesn't happen or if it is not clear who is responsible.

Legal experts say being in the line of fire comes with the territory when you buy into a condo or homeowners community that borders a golf course.

But as the law sees it, owners assume the risk when they move in." It is similar when home buyers purchase a home near an airport. It is difficult for them to file a lawsuit based on airplane noise.

Berger and other experts offer a few tips:

If you live along a golf course, check your insurance policy or talk to your agent about what is covered. Usually the deductible is $1,000 and would not cover the broken window costs, which are well below that amount.