If you enjoy an active lifestyle, you have most likely signed a liability waiver at some point in your life. For example, if you have ever joined a gym, run a marathon, gone skydiving, or simply send your children on a school field trip, the organization putting on the event or activity likely asked you to sign a few “papers” before you could partake. These waivers or releases are written and designed to protect the entity from legal liability for the participant’s injuries even when these injuries are caused by the entity’s own negligence.
Most people sign these liability waivers without even reading them. Upon closer inspection, many liability waiver agreements include strong language and essentially declare: (1) the participant will freely assume all risks associated with the event, whether known or unknown, and (2) the participant will hold the organization harmless for any injuries or damages he or she suffers, even if those injuries arose from the negligence of the organization. Given this language, one might assume that they waived all rights to any personal injury claim. However, is this true? If a waiver is signed, are you precluded from recovering monetary damages from an injury that occurs during these activities or events?
Liability waivers are something that most people sign and do not think twice about. In fact, some people may not realize they have even signed a waiver of liability because these waivers are often only one or two paragraphs.
A waiver of liability is essentially a contract between an individual and somebody else (another individual, business, entity) that allows the person who signs the waiver to assume the risk of injury in order to use certain facilities, participate in an activity, or attend an event. Some of the most common examples of when a person signs or agrees to a waiver of liability include:
In many cases, a person will not be able to participate in activities unless they agree to the waiver of liability. Often, these waivers are located in the very fine print and are part of a purchase agreement.
Yes, you may still sue if you sign a waiver. Signing a waiver does not prevent you from recovering damages if an injury occurs. While the waiver may make recovery a bit more difficult, the enforceability of the waiver is a legal question left for the courts to decide. In fact, here in Arizona, the assumption of risk is always a question for the jury at trial per the Arizona Constitution. Ultimately, for a liability waiver to be effective, the participant must “intentionally relinquish a known right,” and there are 3 questions the court must answer to decide if the waiver is enforceable:
While the enforceability of a waiver releasing liability is contingent on a variety of factors, most of them, even if they weigh in favor of enforceability, will not necessarily preclude recovery. Because these aspects can be extremely difficult to comprehend, it is crucial to have any waivers releasing liability analyzed by an experienced injury attorney in Phoenix to determine if the injured party has a claim.
The first step you need to take in any personal injury case is to seek medical care for your injuries. The medical professional will be able to treat your injuries. By seeking medical care, you will have established a link between the injury and the incident.
As soon as your condition is stabilized, you need to speak to a skilled personal injury lawyer who has experience dealing with waivers of liability. An attorney will understand every aspect of your case. They will be able to conduct a complete investigation into the incident, thoroughly examine the waiver of liability, and determine whether or not you will be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Waivers of liability are typically upheld in court. However, waivers do not cover all scenarios. Specifically, courts have generally ruled that waivers of liability will not be upheld in the event a person is harmed due to the gross negligence of another party involved. If a court determines that a company, entity, or an agent of these entities was grossly negligent and caused harm to another person, the waiver of liability will likely not apply.
Gross negligence is more than just ordinary negligence, and typically involves a party acting negligently and with utter disregard for the safety and well-being of those under their care. Intentional actions meant to cause harm to others will not be covered under a waiver of liability.
A waiver of liability in Arizona will generally be upheld so long as they meet certain criteria. This includes:
Again, regardless of whether or not all of these criteria is met for a waiver of liability, the waiver will not excuse gross negligence.
Contact Torgenson Law today if you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury as a result of another’s negligence. The legal process can be a complex one, and you will want an aggressive and experienced attorney fighting for the just compensation in which you deserve. Give us a call at (602) 726-0747.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
