Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I Think I Signed a Waiver, But I Got Injured. Now What?

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The state of Arizona is very friendly to you.  While they can be enforceable in certain situations, they are highly disfavored. 

As a participant in some sporting event such as go-cart racing, a mud run event, or other physical activity, there is a risk of getting injured.  Owners or organizers of these activities, in an attempt to avoid lawsuits, will often require a waiver be signed by the participants in an attempt to limit the owner or organizers’ exposure. 


Generally, injuries will occur in one of three ways:


1.     The activity in question has some inherent risks.  For example, when you choose to play tackle football, you understand that there is a risk that you may be tackled.  When you enter a mud run event, you understand there will be mud.

2.     Something the owner or organizer did was negligent, and that negligence created a risk of harm that otherwise would not have existed. 

3.     The owner or organizer, or one of their agents, was grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional in their conduct resulting in injury to a participant.  


As you seek to hold another responsible for injuries you have sustained, it is essential to show that there was something in owners’ or organizers’ conduct that fell below whatever reasonable standard of care that they owed to you.  You need to show that if the person you believe to be responsible had acted reasonably, then you would not have been injured. 


Consequently, most of Arizona disputes with revolve around #2 above.  However, if you can clearly identify the negligent act by the owner or organizer, and you can show that you did not have an opportunity to bargain with the owner or organizer (meaning you did not negotiate the terms of the contract), then Arizona law treats you favorably as a claimant. 


As a general matter, Arizona says that “An attempt to limit one’s liability from one’s own negligence is not uncommon.  The general reaction of courts to this attempt has been unfavorable.  The reason is simple.  To relieve oneself of liability for one’s own negligence may encourage carelessness.”  Sirek v. Fairfield Snowbowl, Inc. 166 Ariz. 183, 800 P.2d 1291 (Ariz. App., 1990). 


In Salt River Project Agric. Improv. & Power Dist. v. Westinghouse Electric Corp. 190 Ariz. 463, 800 P.2d 1291, (app. 1990) (“SRP”) the Arizona Supreme Court answered the question whether “liability in a tort [can] be bargained away.” The answer to that question was yes, BUT generally limited to the following circumstance: “The law disfavors contractual provision by which one party seeks to immunize himself against the consequences of his own torts.” (p. 383).  But the court did indicate it would be appropriate in a commercial setting where “businessmen can bargain over which party is to bear the risk of damage and set the price accordingly, thus achieving a more rational distribution of the risk than the law would otherwise allow.”


Claimants also have the benefit of the fact that validity of waivers, exculpatory clauses and other similar contractual provisions will ultimately be a question for the a jury. Phelps. v. Firebird Raceway, Inc. 210 Ariz. 403, 1111 P.3d 1003 (Ariz. 2009).  Should you claim reach litigation, as many do, the Plaintiff may be successful at overcoming the validity of the waiver through a summary judgment, but even if they are not, they will still have the opportunity to argue the case to a jury. 


10 comments:

  1. Waivers are used to document a voluntary relinquishment of some right or privilege. However, the constitution has some exemptions to these disclaimer forms. You should consult a lawyer immediately if you got injured and want to see if there are loopholes in the waiver you signed.

    Cheryl Bush

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  2. You might be accused with breach of contract if you don't honor the conditions that is on your waiver. However, with a reliable and dependable lawyer, you’ll be able to find some ways to renegotiate the contract. With proper and orderly legal manner, you’ll be able to get the compensation that you need at the right time. :)

    RobertNOAlaw

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  3. I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks Release Of Liability Form

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  4. To anybody doubting the decision to hire a professional to handle your legal services, pick up a phone and call a lawyer now. My experience with managing Handyman services in Mandurah has made me believe it's just the easiest way to do things.

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  5. Great insight on what happens when you get injured after signing a waver. I hope nothing ever tragic happens at mydriving school in mandurah.

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  6. A friend from Fencing Ballarat told me to consult a lawyer in the event of an injury and try to look for loopholes in the contract.

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  7. ALTHOUGH I had somebody from an earthmoving service in ballarat try to contest the waiver. They ended up losing more money that they could have settled for.

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  8. He's right about most Amazon disputes revolving around no. 2. I've had my fair share of those at commercial painters brisbane

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  9. 'Consequently, most of Arizona disputes with revolve around #2 above. " Why is everybody at car detailing ballarat not surprised? haha

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