Sullivan's Island Golf Cart Assault Lawsuit Ends in $4.6M Verdict

Eric Bernard Bowman et al v. Wallace Blair Crosby et al

On June 13, 2024, in a high-profile Golf Cart Assault lawsuit, a Charleston jury awarded $4,663,708 in damages to the defendant.

Case Background

The Golf Cart Assault lawsuit was filed on July 21, 2020, by plaintiff Eric Bowman in the South Carolina State, Court of Common Pleas of Charleston County (Case number: 2020CP1003043). Judge Jennifer B. McCoy presided over the case.

Cause

On October 5, 2018, Eric Bernard Bowman and his wife, frequent patrons of Dunleavy's Pub on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, visited the establishment. After enjoying their time, the Bowmans prepared to leave. Eric Bowman approached the bar to settle their bill but discovered that Dunleavy's did not accept American Express, the only card he had. As was customary for local residents, the Bowmans intended to return later to pay their tab. This practice was well understood and accepted at Dunleavy's, especially for Sullivan's Island residents like the Bowmans. As the couple attempted to depart in their golf cart (a Low Speed Vehicle or LSV), Wallace Blair Crosby confronted them. Crosby's girlfriend, who was working as a bartender that night, had allegedly experienced a stressful, busy shift. Though Crosby was neither an employee of Dunleavy's nor a law enforcement officer, he intervened. He positioned himself directly in front of the Bowmans' golf cart, blocking their exit down the one-way street. Crosby aggressively accused the Bowmans of attempting to leave without paying their tab. His behavior escalated quickly, becoming threatening and intimidating. He punched and kicked the golf cart multiple times, causing significant damage. Mrs. Bowman, fearing for her safety, fled from the passenger seat and sought refuge back inside Dunleavy's. Eric Bowman, still seated in the driver's seat, warned Crosby to move away from the vehicle. When Crosby refused, Bowman slowly drove the golf cart forward. As he did so, Crosby allegedly swung his fist, striking and shattering the windshield. Once Bowman managed to leave the immediate vicinity, he called 911 to report the incident and request assistance for his wife, who remained at the establishment.

Injuries

The altercation resulted in significant physical and psychological injuries to Eric Bowman. While the complaint did not specify the exact natu