3 Facts You Should Know About Liability Waivers
Because we live in a fairly litigious society, liability waivers are the norm, not the exception, and most people can expect to sign multiple such documents every year. For example, you might have to sign a waiver when enrolling your children in an athletic program, signing them up for the next class field trip, and taking your spouse rock climbing on date night.
Because they contain a considerable amount of legal jargon, few people actually take the time to sit down and read liability waivers line by line before signing them. Be honest: When was the last time you read a waiver all the way through before signing it?
Unfortunately, failing to read these documents thoroughly only adds to the widespread confusion surrounding them. For example, one of the most common misconceptions regarding liability waivers is that people who sign them lose their right to sue.
If you sustained injuries in an accident that occurred as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you incurred even if you signed a liability waiver. To determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm.
A Marksville injury attorney will evaluate the circumstances of your case, as well as the verbiage in the waiver, in order to provide comprehensive legal advice. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation.
Read on to learn a few facts everyone should know about liability waivers
- Liability Waivers Do Not Cover Gross Negligence
According to Athletic Business, facilities and organizations cannot waive liability for damages that arise as the result of their own negligence. Even if there are terms in the document that waive all liability, it is unlikely that the court will enforce such a provision should a serious accident occur because of a facility’s gross negligence.
- Liability Waivers Do Not Require Your Signature to Be Valid
You may think that you can preserve your right to sue simply by refusing to sign anything that waives the ability to do so; however, liability waivers do not necessarily require your signature. For example, if you attend a concert or sporting event, there is likely a provision on the back of the ticket that states you are assuming the risk of injury by attending the event. Thus, if you merely show up and use your ticket, you waive your right to sue under certain circumstances.
- Liability Waivers Are Not Always Mandatory
If you want to join a gym or go skiing, you might have to sign a waiver in order to access their facilities; however, you do not necessarily have to sign all waivers that come your way. For example, many school waivers are not actually mandatory, and refusing to sign them will not inhibit your child from participating in his or her education.
If you were hurt in an accident after signing a liability waiver and you want to discuss your options for pursuing compensation, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm. We have helped our clients recover more than $200 million in cash settlements and verdicts. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Marksville.