Buffalo student sues Putnam school board after losing eye in golf accident

WINFIELD – A Buffalo High School student has sued the Putnam County Board of Education after he lost his eye in an accident at golf practice.

Eric Nathan Crist filed the lawsuit Oct. 9 in Putnam Circuit Court. The school board is the only defendant listed.

According to his complaint, Crist was taking part in Buffalo High's golf team practice on Aug. 1, 2007, at a golf course in Frazier's Bottom when a teammate hit a golf ball that struck Crist in the left eye. It ruptured his sclera, and he ended up losing his left eye. He now has a prosthetic eye.

"The defendant breached its duty of care to the plaintiff by failing to properly instruct, coach and supervise both the plaintiff and his fellow student participants in the rules of golf and fundamental safety instructions relative to participation in the game of golf," the complaint states.

Crist lists damages of $48,185 for medical, hospital, doctor and other healthcare expenses. He also seeks money for physical and mental pain and suffering, embarrassment, humiliation, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

He also expects future medical expenses of more than $200,000 and a loss or reduction of his lifetime capacity to work and earn money in the amount of $467,440. He also wants damages for future physical and mental pain and suffering, embarrassment, humiliation, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

Crist is represented by Nitro attorney Harvey Peyton, and the case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Ed Eagloski.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 08-C-339