The Purpose of a Release of Liability Form for Dangerous Activities

A release of liability form may be required if you participate in an activity where there is a certain degree of inherent risk. The purpose of the form is to create a legal agreement that releases the provider from liability for harm or damage that might occur to you as the participant. When you agree to the terms of this form, you forfeit the right to seek damages through litigation if you sustain injury or property damage during the activity.

One of the most common uses for a release from liability form is for an inherently risky activity where you must assume responsibility for voluntary participation, such as skiing, scuba diving and sky diving. The form provides assurance to the group providing the activity that they will not be subject to litigation because you agreed to participate in the inherently dangerous activity with full knowledge of the risks involved.

A release of liability form requires that you acknowledge the inherent dangers and risks of the activity you plan to participate in. You have to voluntarily release, discharge, waive, and relinquish all claims or causes of action related to risks involved in the activity.

You will forfeit your right to take legal recourse in the event of bodily injury, illness, property damage, or wrongful death as a result of willfully and voluntarily participating in the activity.

If you participate in this type of activity and feel there is negligence on the part of the provider, you can still file a suit, but odds of it being deemed frivolous are high. If you are not willing to assume the risk, then you should reconsider engaging in an activity that requires you to take legal responsibility for inherent dangers prior to participation.