Greene & Phillips: The legalities of signing a waiver

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Summer activities often come with paperwork. Whether it’s trampoline parks, camps, zip lines, water sports, or other attractions, many businesses require customers to sign liability waivers before participating. But does signing a waiver automatically prevent someone from bringing a claim if they’re injured? David Greene from Greene & Phillips Injury Lawyers joined us to explain.

The following questions and answers have been provided by Greene & Phillips:

A lot of people assume that once they sign a waiver, they’ve completely given up their rights. Is that always true?

No, not necessarily. A waiver does not automatically protect a business from responsibility if they were negligent or unsafe. Every situation is different, but signing a waiver does not always mean a case is impossible.

So businesses can still potentially be held responsible in some situations?

Absolutely. If a business failed to maintain safe conditions, ignored hazards, didn’t properly supervise activities, or acted recklessly, those issues can still matter even if a waiver was signed.

Are people are often surprised to hear that?

They are. A lot of these waivers are written in a way that makes people feel like they have no rights whatsoever. But courts look carefully at these situations, especially when serious negligence is involved.

What about children? During the summer, parents are constantly signing waivers for camps and activities.

That’s another important issue. In many cases, waivers signed on behalf of minors are much more limited legally than people realize. Children are treated differently under the law, and businesses can’t necessarily avoid responsibility simply because a parent signed paperwork.

What are some examples of situations where a waiver may not fully protect a business?

Defective equipment, unsafe property conditions, poorly trained staff, failure to follow safety rules, or ignoring known dangers can all become important factors in these cases.

Do people sometimes avoid calling an attorney because they assume the waiver means there’s no point?

Absolutely. We’ve spoken to many people who almost didn’t make the call because they believed signing the waiver automatically ended the conversation. That’s why it’s important not to make assumptions after a serious injury.

What’s the biggest takeaway you want viewers to remember?

Don’t assume you have no case simply because you signed paperwork. If someone suffers a serious injury, it’s worth speaking with an attorney to understand what rights and options may still exist.

If someone has questions after being injured at a business or activity center, how can they contact Greene & Phillips?

You can stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street anytime- no appointment needed. You can also call or text us at 251-300-2000, or visit GreenePhillips.com.