For schoolchildren, a liability waiver is almost as ubiquitous as notebooks, pens and paper. It’s a necessity for extracurricular activities, sports and field trips, and if a child doesn’t have one, they cannot take part. However, do they really need to be signed, and what does the parent’s signature mean? In this article, parents can learn how liability waivers can affect a potential personal injury case.
What Is Covered by a Liability Waiver
A school liability waiver is there to prevent injury lawsuits by students against the school. In cases of field trips and sporting events, the school doesn’t have total control over the event, so they try to limit legal liability. However, waivers have limits. If a parent signs a waiver so their child can play basketball, they may not be able to bring legal action if the child is hurt during the game. If the child is injured en route to the game because of the coach’s or school’s negligence, there may be grounds for a lawsuit. Personal injury attorneys in Springboro, OH can tell parents more about liability waiver coverage.
Waiver Enforceability
In some instances, courts find that waivers are not enforceable. Therefore, a parent who signs a waiver might still be allowed to sue under certain circumstances. While it’s generally held that waivers are enforceable, some courts limit their scope as a public policy initiative. Parents should read waivers very carefully before signing, and they should ensure that the form is a key part of the activity. If the waiver is mandatory, parents should familiarize themselves with its terms and conditions, and they should remember that they still might be able to sue the school if the child is hurt. If a child has been injured during a school-sponsored activity, parents should Visit Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead LLP right away.
Children love to participate in field trips and play on sports teams, and these activities can come with significant liability for the school. Liability waivers seek to negate much of the school’s liability, but they don’t completely strip children and parents of their rights. By hiring personal injury attorneys in Springboro, OH, families can find out more about the validity of a claim.
