Waivers: Don’t Sign Away Your Rights

Most of us pause for only a second before scribbling our signatures on waivers to let our children play sports, to rent cars, or to buy insurance. But what does signing really mean? Basically, two things:

The signer accepts all risks associated with the activity at hand, and expects the organization or business to play its role with diligence and care.

People sign waivers for activities such as children's horseback riding lessons, work or employment, product or service purchases, power tool or car rentals, credit cards, investments, insurance coverage, amusement parks, and white-water rafting. Signing a waiver does not always absolve an individual or business from responsibility, however. If you have questions about waivers, please be sure to ask us before you sign.

Scuba Waiver was Sunk

A state supreme court held that a scuba diving student who had signed a release did not waive his right to recover for injuries he suffered when his instructor failed to follow basic safety guidelines.