Good online resource for generic liability waiver?

September 16, 2008 5:41 AM

Is there a good online resource for generic liability waivers?

I'm shooting a trailer for a screenplay with some friends and a bunch of extras. We'll be doing a lot of stuff on roller skates so I'd like to take some reasonable assurances that we don't get sued if someone gets hurt.

I know going to an actual lawyer would be best and protect me to the fullest, but I can't afford that. And since I know most of these people and we'll be taking safety precautions I don't expect a problem. I'd just feel better if something were signed. Thanks!

posted by Idiot Mittens to law & government (2 comments total)

IANAL, but my BF is. We just had this discussion regarding some food that we ordered (a Jucy Lucy where there is hot hot hot melted cheese in between two meat patties). They gave us a teeny tiny waiver to initial, though no one ensures that this has been signed. Even so, if it were initialed he said that you cannot simply waive your right to sue if you do get injured.

However do not fear. Here is a link that can answer your more specific question better. It looks legit enough.

It seems to me that you ought to make sure that people wear/bring their own skates so they are not relying on you to provide "safe skates." Other than that, you look in the clear unless you will be skating on private property with an uneven surface.
posted by wocka wocka wocka at 6:13 AM on September 16, 2008

WWW's link is great info.

To add, however (IANAL at all, but have researched liability for a few orgs), remember that your waiver is, ultimately, just a piece of paper. You don't determine limits of liability, the courts do.

If I were in the same situation, I'd write a fairly simple and clear document that outlines the basic limitations of liability you are looking for, and make sure you do the best you can to make the scene/location as safe as possible. "Reasonable care and diligence" is (in my limited experience) an important concept of liability, and, I would say, likely more important than any waiver you get signed, regardless of how comprehensive it is.
posted by liquado at 9:48 AM on September 16, 2008