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Analysis of Release Law and
its Growth from the Common
Law
Session 57
Disclaimer:
All legal advice by itā€™s very nature is
subject to change and the laws of
each state. All legal advice requires a
review by your local attorney.
Reality
ā€¢ No matter what we learn here a judge
can change it.
ā€¢ By the time we get done with the
conference a judge has probably
changed it.
ā€¢ If you are really bad, you are going to
lose no matter what
James H. Moss, J.D.
ā€¢ OSU Environmental Interpretation
ā€¢ Capital Law School, J.D.
ā€¢ 500 Clients in Outdoor Recreation Field
ā€“ Individuals to Organizations
ā€“ Concessionaires & Permittees
ā€“ Manufactures to Retailers
Attorney for:
ā€¢ O.A.R.S.
ā€¢ International Mountain Guides
ā€¢ Noahā€™s Ark
ā€¢ C.A.M.P. USA & C.A.M.P. SpA (Italy)
ā€¢ NRS
ā€¢ American Mountain Guides Association
ā€¢ G3
ā€¢ Mountain Trip
Trials
ā€¢ Whitewater
Rafting
Companies
ā€¢ Snow Mobiles
ā€¢ Ropes Course
ā€¢ Canoe Liveries
ā€¢ Climbing Gyms
ā€¢ Land owners
ā€¢ Ski Areas
ā€¢ Mt. Everest
ā€¢ Mountaineering
Adjunct Instructor
Ski Area Operations Risk Management
Editor
Outdoor Recreation Law Review
Outdoor Recreation Law Review
Legal News
Editorials describing legal issues that are affecting
your operation and how they need to change
Analysis of groups of cases that are affecting your
business
Specific case analysis with the actual case
hyperlinked to the analysis
Written in English
Legal & Insurance Resources
UIAA Safety Committee
ā€¢ Union Internationale Des Associations
Dā€™Alpinisme (International Mountaineering
and Climbing Federation)
ā€¢ US Member of the UIAA Safety Committee
ā€¢ European Product Standards
Governmental Organization
James H. Moss, J.D.
ā€“ I am the only attorney/person to win an appeal to
the Board of Land Appeals (NPS/BLM)
ā€“ Iā€™ve participated in my OR lawsuits than all other
attorneys combined (except for ski area defense
lawyers)
ā€“ Iā€™ve dealt with the only US litigation over Mt Everest
ā€“ Iā€™ve dealt with Ten Fatalities with no $$ paid
ā€“ Iā€™ve dealt with 3 Quadriplegics with no $$ paid
ā€“ I have taught outdoor skills for universities
ā€“ I have worked as a river, mountain, jungle, cycling
and rock climbing guide and I still guide
James H. Moss, J.D.
ā€¢ I am a recovering Trial Attorney
ā€¢ Citations & Writing are based on the above
Analysis of Release Law and
its Growth from the
Common Law
How to Find a Copy of the
Presentation
ā€¢ Title: Common Law and Releases
ā€¢ Or go to www.rec-law.blogspot.com and
search for SRLA
ā€¢ Email me: recreation.law@gmail.com
ā€“ If you email me let me know if you want PPT
2003 or PPTX 2007
ā€¢ Go to Google Docs and Search for Title
ā€¢ http://docs.google.com/Presentation?
docid=dg2k3n4r_47hs552sss
What is the common law
Originated from the way of doing things in
England
Eventually written down and became law of
the US
Basis of the law in 49 states
Exception to the rule:
Common law and releases
Common law still controls unless it has
been incorporated into a statute or
constitution
Louisiana: C.C. Art. 2004 (2005)
New York: General Obligation Law Ā§ 5-326
Montana: MCA Ā§ 27-1-701
What does this
mean?
Contract v. Release
ā€¢ If you have any meeting of the minds
ā€¢ If you have any consideration
ā€¢ If you have anything like a contract
You have a Contract
Contract v. Release
ā€¢ Unless your release is written within the
strict boundaries set forth by the courts in
the jurisdiction you are arguing the release
You do not have a contract which is a
release
Contract v. Release
ā€¢ Contracts Default to ā€œA Contractā€
ā€¢ Releases Default to no release
Releases do not
ā€¢ Do not stop claims for greater than normal
negligence ā€“ ever (*almost)
ā€¢ Willful and wanton negligence
ā€¢ Gross negligence
ā€¢ Intentional Negligence
*Kansas does not recognize W&W or Gross Negligence so a release in
Kansas does work
Generally Releases will not
be upheld if
ā€¢ They are hidden
ā€¢ The type is too small
ā€¢ They are a sign in sheet
ā€¢ They are mislabeled
ā€¢ They are not signed
Releases will be upheld if
they are
ā€¢ Not read
ā€¢ Signed with a fake name
ā€¢ Not understood
Some Yes ā€“ Some No
ā€¢ Not given enough time to read the release
States Were
Releases are
Void
Based on Statute or State
Constitution
Louisiana: C.C. Art. 2004 (2005)
C.C. Art. 2004 (2005). Clause that
excludes or limits liability.
Any clause is null that, in advance,
excludes or limits the liability of one party for intentional
or gross fault that causes damage to the other
party. Any clause is null that, in advance,
excludes or limits the liability of one party for causing
physical injury to the other party.
Montana: MCA Ā§ 27-1-701
MCA Ā§ 27-1-701 Liability for negligence as
well as willful acts.
Except as otherwise provided by law,
everyone is responsible not only for the results
of his willful acts but also for an injury occasioned
to another by his want of ordinary care or skill in the
management of his property or person except
so far as the latter has willfully or by want of
ordinary care brought the injury upon himself.
States were
Releases are
Void
Based on State Supreme Court
Decision
Virginia
Johnsonā€™s Admā€™x v. Richmond and Danville
R.R. Co., 86 Va. 975, 11 S.E. 829 (1890)
Heitt v. Lake Barnroft 418 SE 2d 894 (VA
1992)
Connecticut
Hanks v. Powder Ridge Restaurant Corp.,
276 Conn. 314, 885 A.2d 734 (2005)
Reardon v. Windswept Farm, LLC, Et Al.,
280 Conn. 153; 905 A.2d 1156; 2006 Conn.
LEXIS 330
Wisconsin
Atkins v. Swimwest Family Fitness Center,
2005 WI 4; 2005 Wisc. LEXIS 2
State where
statute modifies
Releases
New York: General Obligation Law Ā§ 5-326
General Obligation Law Ā§ 5-326. Agreements exempting pools,
gymnasiums, places of public amusement or recreation and similar
establishments from liability for negligence void and unenforceable
Every covenant, agreement or understanding in or in connection with,
or collateral to, any contract, membership application, ticket of
admission or similar writing, entered into between the owner or operator
of any pool, gymnasium, place of amusement or recreation, or similar
establishment and the user of such facilities, pursuant to which such owner
or operator receives a fee or other compensation for the use of such
facilities, which exempts the said owner or operator from liability for
damages caused by or resulting from the negligence of the owner,
operator or person in charge of such establishment, or their agents,
servants or employees, shall be deemed to be void as against public
policy and wholly unenforceable.
New York
Lemoine v Cornell University, 2 N.Y.3d
701; 810 N.E.2d 912; 778 N.Y.S.2d
459; 2004 N.Y. LEXIS 509 (NY 2003)
Climbing wall Accident were
education not entertainment was the
main focus of the activity
New York
Chieco v. Paramarketing, Inc., 228 A.D.2d 462;
643 N.Y.S.2d 668; 1996 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS
6617 (upheld a release in a product liability
setting)
How a state deals with
Releases & Product
Liability Law is a state
by state review ā€“ not
here!
There are 46 states
where the basis of
release law is the
Common Law
Historically the common law
disfavored releases
Releases were found to be
unconscionable
ā€“ sense of gross unfairness
ā€“ "smell" of unfairness
However this contradicted the common
law freedom to contract
Consequently Releases have
always created a schism in the
law
Add to that Courts
that seem to be
more (politically)
biased to a position
ExamplesExamples
Missouri
Alack v. Vic Tanny International of Missouri, Inc, 923
S.W.2d 330, (MO 1996)
Although exculpatory clauses in contracts releasing
an individual from his or her own future negligence
are disfavored, they are not prohibited as against
public policy.
Release failed because it did not include the proper
language for a release
ā€“ exculpatory clause was ambiguous
ā€“ exculpatory clause did not use the word ā€œnegligenceā€
or ā€œfaultā€ or their equivalents
North Carolina
Del Raso v. United States of America, 2001 U.S.
App. 4115, 244 F.3d 567
North Carolina courts, like those of many other
states, do not favor contracts releasing parties from
liability for their future negligence, but will
nevertheless enforce such clauses unless they
violate a statute, are gained through an inequality of
bargaining power, or contravene public policy.
Defendant won based on the release
Maine
Doyle v. College, , 403 A.2d 1206 (1979)
We address, first, the question, whether these
documents may fairly be held to be ā€œreleases.ā€ Courts
have traditionally disfavored contractual exclusions of
negligence liability and have exercised a heightened
degree of judicial scrutiny when interpreting
contractual language which allegedly exempts a party
from liability for his own negligence.
Plaintiff won because court determined not a
release and indemnification clause was void
Colorado
Heil Valley Ranch v. Simkin, 784 P.2d 781
(Colo. 1989)
Agreements attempting to exculpate a
party from that party's own negligence have
long been disfavored.
Defendant won even though release did
not contain the word negligence
Illinois
Pruett v. American Motorcycle Association, 54
F.3d 779 (Table), 1995 WL 302426 (C.A.7 (Ill.))
As a general rule, ā€œIllinois does not
enforce contracts exculpating persons from the
consequences of their willful and wanton acts.
Release failed to stop claim for willful and
wanton negligence
Until changed by decision or
statute common law still
holds
Releases are Void as Against
Public Policy
Public Policy
ā€¢ The needs or costs of the public exceed the
needs of the individual
ā€¢ Individual meaning the person wanting to use
the release
ā€¢ The public cost is paying for any injury
ā€¢ The Freedom to Contract is less than the duty
Society has to an individual
ā€¢ Injured people become a burden upon society
Current State
of Affairs
States that Do Not allow
the use of a Release
Connecticut
Hanks v. Powder Ridge Restaurant Corp.,
276 Conn. 314, 885 A.2d 734 (2005)
Reardon v. Windswept Farm, LLC, Et Al.,
280 Conn. 153; 905 A.2d 1156; 2006 Conn.
LEXIS 330
Virginia
Johnsonā€™s Admā€™x v. Richmond and Danville
R.R. Co., 86 Va. 975, 11 S.E. 829 (1890
Heitt v. Lake Barnroft, 418 SE 2d 894
Wisconsin
Atkins v. Swimwest Family Fitness Center,
2005 WI 4; 2005 Wisc. LEXIS 2
Montana
MCA Ā§ 27-1-701 Liability for negligence as
well as willful acts.
Except as otherwise provided by law,
everyone is responsible not only for the
results of his willful acts but also for an injury
occasioned to another by his want of
ordinary care or skill in the management of
his property or person except so far as the
latter has willfully or by want of ordinary care
brought the injury upon himself.
Louisiana
Louisiana: C.C. Art. 2004 (2005). Clause
that excludes or limits liability.
Any clause is null that, in advance, excludes
or limits the liability of one party for
intentional or gross fault that causes
damage to the other party. Any clause is null
that, in advance, excludes or limits the
liability of one party for causing physical
injury to the other party.
General Pocket of
Support for Releases
NASCAR/Stock Cars/Racing
If you can drive around a track fast in your
state and it is a big sport, it is difficult to beat
a release.
The NASCAR Phenomenon
Clutter v. Karshner, 2001 WL 1006155 (C.A.6
Ohio)
Groves v. Firebird Raceway, Inc, 67 F.3d 306
(Table), 1995 WL 574619 (C.A.9 (Idaho))
Sweat v. Big Time Auto Racing, Inc, 117
Cal.App.4th
1301, 12 Cal.Rptr.3d 678, 4 Cal.
Daily Op. Serv. 3606, 2004 Daily Journal D.A.R.
5037
Winkler v. Charlotte Motor Speedway,
Incorporated, 923 F.2d 850 (Table), 1991 WL
5919 (C.A.4 (N.C.))
The NASCAR Phenomenon
To overcome The NASCAR Phenomenon you
have to really write a bad release
Conservatorship of the Estate Link, 158
Cal.App.3d 138, 205 Cal.Rptr. 513 (release
printed in five-and-one-half-point type)
Recreation
Becoming a mixed bag
Releases used to be supported for
Recreational Activities
Skiing
ā€¢ Garretson v. United States,
456 F.2d 1017 (9th
Cir.
1972)
ā€¢ Shephard v. Bear Valley
Ski Company, 2004 WL
2825126 (2004)
ā€¢ Blau, v. Mammoth
Mountain Ski Area, 2001
Cal. App. 1506, 2001 Cal.
App. LEXIS 1506
Although Skiing Has been Taking
a Beating Lately
ā€¢ Solis v. Kirkwood Resort Company, 2001
Cal. App. 3090, 94 Cal. App. 4th
354, 114 Cal.
Rptr. 2d 265, 2001 Cal. Daily Op. Service
10304
ā€¢ Dalury v. S-K-I, Ltd, 164 Vt. 329; 670 A.2d
795; 1995 Vt. LEXIS 127 9 (Releases are
against pubic policy in Vermont for skiing)
ā€¢ Rothstein v. Snowbird Corporation, 2007 UT
96; 2007 Utah LEXIS 219 (Ski Statute is all
ski areaā€™s get)
Rothstein v. Snowbird
Corporation
Rothstein was decided less than 45 days of
another Supreme Court decision supporting
a release?
Berry v. Greater Park City Company, 2007
UT 87; 171 P.3d 442; 590 Utah Adv. Rep. 3;
2007 Utah LEXIS 192
Is There a Statute Protecting
the Commercial Activity
If so, there is a high likelihood that the court
will find the legislature intended the
statute to be the full remedy available to
the commercial activity
If a statute is being proposed, the language
should include the ability to continue to
use a release
Hawaii
ā€¢ Hawaii Revised Statute Ā§ 663-1.54.
Recreational activity liability. Provides
protection from inherent risk of an activity.
West Virginia
ā€¢ Article 3B. Whitewater Responsibility Act.
ā€¢ Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc., 186
W. Va. 310; 412 S.E.2d 504; 1991 W. Va. LEXIS
222
ā€¢ Therefore, to the extent that the anticipatory
release in the present case purports to exempt the
defendant from tort liability to the plaintiff for the
failure of the defendant's guide to conform to the
standard of care expected of members of his
occupation, it is unenforceable.
New Mexico
Berlangieri v. Running Elk
Corporation, 132 N.M. 332;2002
NMCA 60;48 P.3d 70;2002 N.M.
App. 39;41 N.M. St. B. Bull. 25
See Release of Liability Found
to Violate Public Policy because
the Legislature created the NM
Equine Liability Act.
West Virginia
ā€¢ Kyriazis v. University of West Virginia; 192
W. Va. 60; 450 S.E.2d 649; 1994 W. Va.
LEXIS 161
ā€¢ Murphy v. North American River Runners,
Inc., 186 W. Va. 310; 412 S.E.2d 504;
1991 W. Va. LEXIS 222
Current Analysis of
State Law Concerning
Releases
States that have limited
the use of Releases in
Recreational Settings
Hawaii
Revised Statute Ā§ 663-1.54 Recreational
activity liability
Enacted in 1997 to help stop lawsuits against
commercial recreational operators
Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54
(a) Any person who owns or operates a
business providing recreational activities to
the public, such as, without limitation, scuba
or skin diving, sky diving, bicycle tours, and
mountain climbing, shall exercise
reasonable care to ensure the safety of
patrons and the public, and shall be liable for
damages resulting from negligent acts or
omissions of the person which cause injury.
Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), owners and
operators of recreational activities shall not be liable
for damages for injuries to a patron resulting from
inherent risks associated with the recreational activity
if the patron participating in the recreational activity
voluntarily signs a written release waiving the owner
or operatorā€™s liability for damages for injuries
resulting from the inherent risks. No waiver shall be
valid [**11] unless:
.
Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54
(1) The owner or operator first provides full
disclosure of the inherent risks associated
with the recreational activity; and
(2) The owner or operator takes
reasonable steps to ensure that each patron
is physically able to participate in the activity
and is given the necessary instruction to
participate in the activity safely.
Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54
(c) The determination of whether a risk
is inherent or not is for the trier of fact. As
used in this section an ā€œinherent riskā€:
(1) Is a danger that a reasonable person
would understand to be associated with the
activity by the very nature of the activity
engaged in;
Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54
(2) Is a danger that a reasonable person
would understand to exist despite the owner
or operatorā€™s exercise of reasonable care to
eliminate or minimize the danger, and is
generally beyond the control of the owner or
operator; and
(3) Does not result from the negligence,
gross negligence, or wanton act or omission
of the owner or operator
Hawaii: However
ā€¢ Guests from cruise
ship booked horse
back riding trip.
ā€¢ Guest signed release
ā€¢ Guest was bitten by
another horse
King v. CJM Country Stables, 315 F. Supp.
2d 1061; 2004 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 7511
King v. CJM Country Stables
The Court finds that there are genuine
issues of material fact as to: whether
Defendant was negligent; and the Release
Formā€™s validity as a waiver of liability, which
depends on whether the horse-biting
incident was an ā€œinherent riskā€ of the
recreational activity that Defendant provided
to Plaintiffs. Defendant cannot satisfy its
burden and thus, is not entitled to judgment
as a matter of law.
King v. CJM Country Stables
The death knell for this case and all recreational
activities in Hawaii is Hawaii Revised Statutes,
Section 663-1.54(c). It requires the trier of fact,
the jury, to decide if a risk is inherent or not.*
Consequently the release has no value in
Hawaii for
* Outdoor recreation Law Reivew: Case Brief: Hawaiian court case demonstrates change in law actually
hinders the recreation businesses it was designed to protect commercial recreational activities.
Arizona
Phelps v. Firebird Raceway, Inc., 2005 Ariz.
LEXIS 53
Phelps lost control of his vehicle and
crashed into a wall. Phelpsā€™ vehicle erupted
into flames and he suffered severe burns
Phelps v. Firebird Raceway, Inc.
ā€¦both parties agree that Firebird raised a
defense of assumption of risk.
ā€¦he had assumed the risk of any injuries
resulting from Firebirdā€™s negligence.
Phelps v. Firebird Raceway, Inc.
The defense of contributory negligence or of
assumption of risk shall, in all cases
whatsoever, be a question of fact and shall,
at all times, be left to the jury.
New Mexico
Berlangieri v. Running Elk Corporation, 132
N.M. 332; 2002 NMCA 60; 48 P.3d 70; 2002
N.M. App. 39; 41 N.M. St. B. Bull. 25
Equine activities
New Mexico: The Equine
Liability Act
A. No person, corporation or partnership is
liable for personal injuries to or for the death
of a rider that may occur as a result of the
behavior of equine animals while engaged in
any equine activities.
Berlangieri v. Running Elk
Corporation
We decline the invitation to abolish this
doctrine now. Instead, we think that strict
limits on the use of exculpatory agreements
would better serve
the important interests at stake.
Berlangieri v. Running Elk
Corporation
We conclude the general rule that liability
releases for personal injury may be enforced in
limited circumstances should be retained. ā€¦the
facts of this case fall within the exception to the
general rule arising from public policy. Liability
releases for equine recreational activities
represent another exceptional case where
public policy dictates that they not be enforced.
Several considerations are relevant to this
determination.
Berlangieri v. Running Elk
Corporation
We conclude that the release in this case
expressed the intent of the parties that
Berlangieri would not hold Running Elk liable
for its negligent acts.
An Aside: Inherent failures of Equine
liability acts
Since the passage of Equine Liability Acts,
not one horse has been sued.
However suits against horse owners have
stayed constant.
West Virginia
Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc.,
186 W. Va. 310; 412 S.E.2d 504; 1991 W. Va.
LEXIS 222
Whitewater Rafting
Murphy v. North American River
Runners, Inc
A clause in an agreement exempting a party
from tort liability is, however, unenforceable
on grounds of public policy if, for example,
(1) the clause exempts a party charged with
a duty of public service from tort liability to a
party to whom that duty is owed, or (2) the
injured party is similarly a member of a class
which is protected against the class to which
the party inflicting the harm belongs.
Murphy v. North American River
Runners, Inc
An example of the second situation just
mentioned is that when a statute imposes a
standard of conduct, a clause in an
agreement purporting to exempt a party from
tort liability to a member of the
protected [***9] class for the failure to
conform to that statutory standard is
unenforceable.
Murphy v. North American River
Runners, Inc
Thus, a plaintiff's express agreement to
assume the risk of a defendant's violation of
a safety statute enacted for the purpose of
protecting the public will not be enforced; the
safety obligation created by the statute for
such purpose is an obligation owed to the
public at large and is not within the power of
any private individual to waive.
West Virginia
Kyriazis v. University of West Virginia; 192
W. Va. 60; 450 S.E.2d 649; 1994 W. Va.
LEXIS 161
Student was hurt playing rugby at a West
Virginia University rugby club
Kyriazis v. University of West
Virginia
Because we believe the University qualifies
as a "public service," and that it possessed a
decisive bargaining advantage over the
appellant when he executed the Release, we
find the anticipatory Release void as a matter
of West Virginia public policy.
Vermont
Dalury v. S-K-I, Ltd, 164 Vt 329; 670 A.2d 795;
1995 Vt. Lexis 127 (VT 1995)
Dalury v. S-K-I, Ltd
ā€¦defendantsā€™ allocation of responsibility for
skiersā€™ injuries is at odds with the statute. The
statute places responsibility for the ā€œinherent
risksā€ of any sport on the participant, insofar
as such risks are obvious and necessary. Id. A
ski areaā€™s own negligence, however, is neither
an inherent risk nor an obvious and
necessary one in the sport of skiing.
Idaho
Lee v. Sun Valley Company, 107 Idaho 976; 695
P.2d 361; 1984 Ida. LEXIS 599
Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Act,
Chapter 21 of Title 36, Idaho Code
The court held the defendant Sun Valley
could not use the release as a defense
because it violated public policy as the
outfitter was protected by a statute.
Utah
Rothstein v. Snowbird
Corporation, 2007 UT
96; 175 P.3d 560; 593
Utah Adv. Rep. 26;
2007 Utah LEXIS 219
States that are
all over the
place and
release law is
akin to a ā€œwack
a moleā€ game
Texas
Akin v. Bally Total Fitness Corporation, 2007
Tex. App. LEXIS 1218
Pennsylvania
Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort, L.P., 593
Pa. 420; 931 A.2d 630; 2007 Pa. LEXIS 1773
Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort
ā€¦.where the defendant drafts the
agreement and the plaintiff is merely a
recipient of the document, ā€œit must appear
that the terms were in fact brought home to
him and understood by him, before it can be
found he has accepted them
Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort
Significantly, the legal term ā€œnegligenceā€ is
not clearly defined or illustrated in any way,
such as with an example of conduct that can
be considered negligent. As such, Appelleeā€™s
Release from Liability arguably amounts to
an adhesion contract which provides no
recourse to one who disagrees with it but to
reject the entire transaction.
Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort
ā€¦there is an assertion that an agreement
was reached between Lori and the lift
operator which superseded any that might
have been created under the Release from
Liability form; therefore, we cannot conclude
as a matter of law that the disclaimer is
enforceable, as this question of fact remains
as to what the ski lift operator said to
Appellant
Savarese, vs.
Camelback Ski Corp,
417 F. Supp. 2d 663;
2005 U.S. Dist.
LEXIS 41389
(release stops suit
over lift accident)
Issues
Failure to Negotiate the Release
Turnbough v. Ladner, 754 So. 2d 467; 1999
Miss. LEXIS 375
Lease Negotiation
Used to be a requirement that for a release
to be accepted, their had to be negotiation
for the release to be value.
You had to have the opportunity to buy the
activity without a release
Ways Releases are Being Defeated
ā€¢ Legislature Gave Commercial Operator
Statute, Statute is All they Get
ā€¢ Void as Against Public Policy
ā€¢ Harm Done far exceeds what the court can
stomach
References: Law Review
We, The Parents and Participant, Promise
Not to Sue ... Until There is an Accident. The
Ability of High School Students and their
Parents to Waive Liability for Participation in
School-Sponsored Athletics, 37 Suffolk U. L.
Rev. 439, 2004
References: Law Review
Validity and Enforceability of Liability
Waivers on Ski Lift Tickets, 28 Campbell L.
Rev. 107, 2005
References: Outdoor Recreation
Law Review
Case Brief: Hawaiian court case
demonstrates change in law actually hinders
the recreation businesses it was designed to
protect
Case Brief: 1985 Idaho Supreme Court finds
releases cannot be used to prevent a lawsuit
References: Outdoor Recreation
Law Review
It Takes More Than a Ticket Purchase to
Enforce a Contract and Release
New Jersey Court decision highlights need
to mention heirs when writing a release
References: Outdoor Recreation
Law Review
Utah Supreme Court flip flop on releases for
ski areas could have broader consequence
Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision
endangers strength of releases in recent
decision
References: Outdoor Recreation
Law Review
New Hawaiian law to minimize liability
exposure may have backfired
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Analysis of the Common Law 2009

  • 1. Analysis of Release Law and its Growth from the Common Law Session 57
  • 2. Disclaimer: All legal advice by itā€™s very nature is subject to change and the laws of each state. All legal advice requires a review by your local attorney.
  • 3. Reality ā€¢ No matter what we learn here a judge can change it. ā€¢ By the time we get done with the conference a judge has probably changed it. ā€¢ If you are really bad, you are going to lose no matter what
  • 4. James H. Moss, J.D. ā€¢ OSU Environmental Interpretation ā€¢ Capital Law School, J.D. ā€¢ 500 Clients in Outdoor Recreation Field ā€“ Individuals to Organizations ā€“ Concessionaires & Permittees ā€“ Manufactures to Retailers
  • 5. Attorney for: ā€¢ O.A.R.S. ā€¢ International Mountain Guides ā€¢ Noahā€™s Ark ā€¢ C.A.M.P. USA & C.A.M.P. SpA (Italy) ā€¢ NRS ā€¢ American Mountain Guides Association ā€¢ G3 ā€¢ Mountain Trip
  • 6. Trials ā€¢ Whitewater Rafting Companies ā€¢ Snow Mobiles ā€¢ Ropes Course ā€¢ Canoe Liveries ā€¢ Climbing Gyms ā€¢ Land owners ā€¢ Ski Areas ā€¢ Mt. Everest ā€¢ Mountaineering
  • 7. Adjunct Instructor Ski Area Operations Risk Management
  • 9. Outdoor Recreation Law Review Legal News Editorials describing legal issues that are affecting your operation and how they need to change Analysis of groups of cases that are affecting your business Specific case analysis with the actual case hyperlinked to the analysis Written in English Legal & Insurance Resources
  • 10. UIAA Safety Committee ā€¢ Union Internationale Des Associations Dā€™Alpinisme (International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation) ā€¢ US Member of the UIAA Safety Committee ā€¢ European Product Standards Governmental Organization
  • 11. James H. Moss, J.D. ā€“ I am the only attorney/person to win an appeal to the Board of Land Appeals (NPS/BLM) ā€“ Iā€™ve participated in my OR lawsuits than all other attorneys combined (except for ski area defense lawyers) ā€“ Iā€™ve dealt with the only US litigation over Mt Everest ā€“ Iā€™ve dealt with Ten Fatalities with no $$ paid ā€“ Iā€™ve dealt with 3 Quadriplegics with no $$ paid ā€“ I have taught outdoor skills for universities ā€“ I have worked as a river, mountain, jungle, cycling and rock climbing guide and I still guide
  • 12. James H. Moss, J.D. ā€¢ I am a recovering Trial Attorney ā€¢ Citations & Writing are based on the above
  • 13. Analysis of Release Law and its Growth from the Common Law
  • 14. How to Find a Copy of the Presentation ā€¢ Title: Common Law and Releases ā€¢ Or go to www.rec-law.blogspot.com and search for SRLA ā€¢ Email me: recreation.law@gmail.com ā€“ If you email me let me know if you want PPT 2003 or PPTX 2007 ā€¢ Go to Google Docs and Search for Title ā€¢ http://docs.google.com/Presentation? docid=dg2k3n4r_47hs552sss
  • 15. What is the common law Originated from the way of doing things in England Eventually written down and became law of the US Basis of the law in 49 states Exception to the rule:
  • 16. Common law and releases Common law still controls unless it has been incorporated into a statute or constitution Louisiana: C.C. Art. 2004 (2005) New York: General Obligation Law Ā§ 5-326 Montana: MCA Ā§ 27-1-701
  • 18. Contract v. Release ā€¢ If you have any meeting of the minds ā€¢ If you have any consideration ā€¢ If you have anything like a contract You have a Contract
  • 19. Contract v. Release ā€¢ Unless your release is written within the strict boundaries set forth by the courts in the jurisdiction you are arguing the release You do not have a contract which is a release
  • 20. Contract v. Release ā€¢ Contracts Default to ā€œA Contractā€ ā€¢ Releases Default to no release
  • 21. Releases do not ā€¢ Do not stop claims for greater than normal negligence ā€“ ever (*almost) ā€¢ Willful and wanton negligence ā€¢ Gross negligence ā€¢ Intentional Negligence *Kansas does not recognize W&W or Gross Negligence so a release in Kansas does work
  • 22. Generally Releases will not be upheld if ā€¢ They are hidden ā€¢ The type is too small ā€¢ They are a sign in sheet ā€¢ They are mislabeled ā€¢ They are not signed
  • 23. Releases will be upheld if they are ā€¢ Not read ā€¢ Signed with a fake name ā€¢ Not understood
  • 24. Some Yes ā€“ Some No ā€¢ Not given enough time to read the release
  • 25. States Were Releases are Void Based on Statute or State Constitution
  • 26. Louisiana: C.C. Art. 2004 (2005) C.C. Art. 2004 (2005). Clause that excludes or limits liability. Any clause is null that, in advance, excludes or limits the liability of one party for intentional or gross fault that causes damage to the other party. Any clause is null that, in advance, excludes or limits the liability of one party for causing physical injury to the other party.
  • 27. Montana: MCA Ā§ 27-1-701 MCA Ā§ 27-1-701 Liability for negligence as well as willful acts. Except as otherwise provided by law, everyone is responsible not only for the results of his willful acts but also for an injury occasioned to another by his want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his property or person except so far as the latter has willfully or by want of ordinary care brought the injury upon himself.
  • 28. States were Releases are Void Based on State Supreme Court Decision
  • 29. Virginia Johnsonā€™s Admā€™x v. Richmond and Danville R.R. Co., 86 Va. 975, 11 S.E. 829 (1890) Heitt v. Lake Barnroft 418 SE 2d 894 (VA 1992)
  • 30. Connecticut Hanks v. Powder Ridge Restaurant Corp., 276 Conn. 314, 885 A.2d 734 (2005) Reardon v. Windswept Farm, LLC, Et Al., 280 Conn. 153; 905 A.2d 1156; 2006 Conn. LEXIS 330
  • 31. Wisconsin Atkins v. Swimwest Family Fitness Center, 2005 WI 4; 2005 Wisc. LEXIS 2
  • 33. New York: General Obligation Law Ā§ 5-326 General Obligation Law Ā§ 5-326. Agreements exempting pools, gymnasiums, places of public amusement or recreation and similar establishments from liability for negligence void and unenforceable Every covenant, agreement or understanding in or in connection with, or collateral to, any contract, membership application, ticket of admission or similar writing, entered into between the owner or operator of any pool, gymnasium, place of amusement or recreation, or similar establishment and the user of such facilities, pursuant to which such owner or operator receives a fee or other compensation for the use of such facilities, which exempts the said owner or operator from liability for damages caused by or resulting from the negligence of the owner, operator or person in charge of such establishment, or their agents, servants or employees, shall be deemed to be void as against public policy and wholly unenforceable.
  • 34. New York Lemoine v Cornell University, 2 N.Y.3d 701; 810 N.E.2d 912; 778 N.Y.S.2d 459; 2004 N.Y. LEXIS 509 (NY 2003) Climbing wall Accident were education not entertainment was the main focus of the activity
  • 35. New York Chieco v. Paramarketing, Inc., 228 A.D.2d 462; 643 N.Y.S.2d 668; 1996 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 6617 (upheld a release in a product liability setting)
  • 36. How a state deals with Releases & Product Liability Law is a state by state review ā€“ not here!
  • 37. There are 46 states where the basis of release law is the Common Law
  • 38. Historically the common law disfavored releases Releases were found to be unconscionable ā€“ sense of gross unfairness ā€“ "smell" of unfairness However this contradicted the common law freedom to contract
  • 39. Consequently Releases have always created a schism in the law Add to that Courts that seem to be more (politically) biased to a position
  • 41. Missouri Alack v. Vic Tanny International of Missouri, Inc, 923 S.W.2d 330, (MO 1996) Although exculpatory clauses in contracts releasing an individual from his or her own future negligence are disfavored, they are not prohibited as against public policy. Release failed because it did not include the proper language for a release ā€“ exculpatory clause was ambiguous ā€“ exculpatory clause did not use the word ā€œnegligenceā€ or ā€œfaultā€ or their equivalents
  • 42. North Carolina Del Raso v. United States of America, 2001 U.S. App. 4115, 244 F.3d 567 North Carolina courts, like those of many other states, do not favor contracts releasing parties from liability for their future negligence, but will nevertheless enforce such clauses unless they violate a statute, are gained through an inequality of bargaining power, or contravene public policy. Defendant won based on the release
  • 43. Maine Doyle v. College, , 403 A.2d 1206 (1979) We address, first, the question, whether these documents may fairly be held to be ā€œreleases.ā€ Courts have traditionally disfavored contractual exclusions of negligence liability and have exercised a heightened degree of judicial scrutiny when interpreting contractual language which allegedly exempts a party from liability for his own negligence. Plaintiff won because court determined not a release and indemnification clause was void
  • 44. Colorado Heil Valley Ranch v. Simkin, 784 P.2d 781 (Colo. 1989) Agreements attempting to exculpate a party from that party's own negligence have long been disfavored. Defendant won even though release did not contain the word negligence
  • 45. Illinois Pruett v. American Motorcycle Association, 54 F.3d 779 (Table), 1995 WL 302426 (C.A.7 (Ill.)) As a general rule, ā€œIllinois does not enforce contracts exculpating persons from the consequences of their willful and wanton acts. Release failed to stop claim for willful and wanton negligence
  • 46. Until changed by decision or statute common law still holds Releases are Void as Against Public Policy
  • 47. Public Policy ā€¢ The needs or costs of the public exceed the needs of the individual ā€¢ Individual meaning the person wanting to use the release ā€¢ The public cost is paying for any injury ā€¢ The Freedom to Contract is less than the duty Society has to an individual ā€¢ Injured people become a burden upon society
  • 49. States that Do Not allow the use of a Release
  • 50. Connecticut Hanks v. Powder Ridge Restaurant Corp., 276 Conn. 314, 885 A.2d 734 (2005) Reardon v. Windswept Farm, LLC, Et Al., 280 Conn. 153; 905 A.2d 1156; 2006 Conn. LEXIS 330
  • 51. Virginia Johnsonā€™s Admā€™x v. Richmond and Danville R.R. Co., 86 Va. 975, 11 S.E. 829 (1890 Heitt v. Lake Barnroft, 418 SE 2d 894
  • 52. Wisconsin Atkins v. Swimwest Family Fitness Center, 2005 WI 4; 2005 Wisc. LEXIS 2
  • 53. Montana MCA Ā§ 27-1-701 Liability for negligence as well as willful acts. Except as otherwise provided by law, everyone is responsible not only for the results of his willful acts but also for an injury occasioned to another by his want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his property or person except so far as the latter has willfully or by want of ordinary care brought the injury upon himself.
  • 54. Louisiana Louisiana: C.C. Art. 2004 (2005). Clause that excludes or limits liability. Any clause is null that, in advance, excludes or limits the liability of one party for intentional or gross fault that causes damage to the other party. Any clause is null that, in advance, excludes or limits the liability of one party for causing physical injury to the other party.
  • 56. NASCAR/Stock Cars/Racing If you can drive around a track fast in your state and it is a big sport, it is difficult to beat a release.
  • 57. The NASCAR Phenomenon Clutter v. Karshner, 2001 WL 1006155 (C.A.6 Ohio) Groves v. Firebird Raceway, Inc, 67 F.3d 306 (Table), 1995 WL 574619 (C.A.9 (Idaho)) Sweat v. Big Time Auto Racing, Inc, 117 Cal.App.4th 1301, 12 Cal.Rptr.3d 678, 4 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 3606, 2004 Daily Journal D.A.R. 5037 Winkler v. Charlotte Motor Speedway, Incorporated, 923 F.2d 850 (Table), 1991 WL 5919 (C.A.4 (N.C.))
  • 58. The NASCAR Phenomenon To overcome The NASCAR Phenomenon you have to really write a bad release Conservatorship of the Estate Link, 158 Cal.App.3d 138, 205 Cal.Rptr. 513 (release printed in five-and-one-half-point type)
  • 59. Recreation Becoming a mixed bag Releases used to be supported for Recreational Activities
  • 60. Skiing ā€¢ Garretson v. United States, 456 F.2d 1017 (9th Cir. 1972) ā€¢ Shephard v. Bear Valley Ski Company, 2004 WL 2825126 (2004) ā€¢ Blau, v. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, 2001 Cal. App. 1506, 2001 Cal. App. LEXIS 1506
  • 61. Although Skiing Has been Taking a Beating Lately ā€¢ Solis v. Kirkwood Resort Company, 2001 Cal. App. 3090, 94 Cal. App. 4th 354, 114 Cal. Rptr. 2d 265, 2001 Cal. Daily Op. Service 10304 ā€¢ Dalury v. S-K-I, Ltd, 164 Vt. 329; 670 A.2d 795; 1995 Vt. LEXIS 127 9 (Releases are against pubic policy in Vermont for skiing) ā€¢ Rothstein v. Snowbird Corporation, 2007 UT 96; 2007 Utah LEXIS 219 (Ski Statute is all ski areaā€™s get)
  • 62. Rothstein v. Snowbird Corporation Rothstein was decided less than 45 days of another Supreme Court decision supporting a release? Berry v. Greater Park City Company, 2007 UT 87; 171 P.3d 442; 590 Utah Adv. Rep. 3; 2007 Utah LEXIS 192
  • 63. Is There a Statute Protecting the Commercial Activity If so, there is a high likelihood that the court will find the legislature intended the statute to be the full remedy available to the commercial activity If a statute is being proposed, the language should include the ability to continue to use a release
  • 64. Hawaii ā€¢ Hawaii Revised Statute Ā§ 663-1.54. Recreational activity liability. Provides protection from inherent risk of an activity.
  • 65. West Virginia ā€¢ Article 3B. Whitewater Responsibility Act. ā€¢ Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc., 186 W. Va. 310; 412 S.E.2d 504; 1991 W. Va. LEXIS 222 ā€¢ Therefore, to the extent that the anticipatory release in the present case purports to exempt the defendant from tort liability to the plaintiff for the failure of the defendant's guide to conform to the standard of care expected of members of his occupation, it is unenforceable.
  • 66. New Mexico Berlangieri v. Running Elk Corporation, 132 N.M. 332;2002 NMCA 60;48 P.3d 70;2002 N.M. App. 39;41 N.M. St. B. Bull. 25 See Release of Liability Found to Violate Public Policy because the Legislature created the NM Equine Liability Act.
  • 67. West Virginia ā€¢ Kyriazis v. University of West Virginia; 192 W. Va. 60; 450 S.E.2d 649; 1994 W. Va. LEXIS 161 ā€¢ Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc., 186 W. Va. 310; 412 S.E.2d 504; 1991 W. Va. LEXIS 222
  • 68. Current Analysis of State Law Concerning Releases
  • 69. States that have limited the use of Releases in Recreational Settings
  • 70. Hawaii Revised Statute Ā§ 663-1.54 Recreational activity liability Enacted in 1997 to help stop lawsuits against commercial recreational operators
  • 71. Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54 (a) Any person who owns or operates a business providing recreational activities to the public, such as, without limitation, scuba or skin diving, sky diving, bicycle tours, and mountain climbing, shall exercise reasonable care to ensure the safety of patrons and the public, and shall be liable for damages resulting from negligent acts or omissions of the person which cause injury.
  • 72. Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54 (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), owners and operators of recreational activities shall not be liable for damages for injuries to a patron resulting from inherent risks associated with the recreational activity if the patron participating in the recreational activity voluntarily signs a written release waiving the owner or operatorā€™s liability for damages for injuries resulting from the inherent risks. No waiver shall be valid [**11] unless: .
  • 73. Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54 (1) The owner or operator first provides full disclosure of the inherent risks associated with the recreational activity; and (2) The owner or operator takes reasonable steps to ensure that each patron is physically able to participate in the activity and is given the necessary instruction to participate in the activity safely.
  • 74. Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54 (c) The determination of whether a risk is inherent or not is for the trier of fact. As used in this section an ā€œinherent riskā€: (1) Is a danger that a reasonable person would understand to be associated with the activity by the very nature of the activity engaged in;
  • 75. Hawaii: H.R.S. Ā§ 663-1.54 (2) Is a danger that a reasonable person would understand to exist despite the owner or operatorā€™s exercise of reasonable care to eliminate or minimize the danger, and is generally beyond the control of the owner or operator; and (3) Does not result from the negligence, gross negligence, or wanton act or omission of the owner or operator
  • 76. Hawaii: However ā€¢ Guests from cruise ship booked horse back riding trip. ā€¢ Guest signed release ā€¢ Guest was bitten by another horse King v. CJM Country Stables, 315 F. Supp. 2d 1061; 2004 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 7511
  • 77. King v. CJM Country Stables The Court finds that there are genuine issues of material fact as to: whether Defendant was negligent; and the Release Formā€™s validity as a waiver of liability, which depends on whether the horse-biting incident was an ā€œinherent riskā€ of the recreational activity that Defendant provided to Plaintiffs. Defendant cannot satisfy its burden and thus, is not entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
  • 78. King v. CJM Country Stables The death knell for this case and all recreational activities in Hawaii is Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 663-1.54(c). It requires the trier of fact, the jury, to decide if a risk is inherent or not.* Consequently the release has no value in Hawaii for * Outdoor recreation Law Reivew: Case Brief: Hawaiian court case demonstrates change in law actually hinders the recreation businesses it was designed to protect commercial recreational activities.
  • 79. Arizona Phelps v. Firebird Raceway, Inc., 2005 Ariz. LEXIS 53 Phelps lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a wall. Phelpsā€™ vehicle erupted into flames and he suffered severe burns
  • 80. Phelps v. Firebird Raceway, Inc. ā€¦both parties agree that Firebird raised a defense of assumption of risk. ā€¦he had assumed the risk of any injuries resulting from Firebirdā€™s negligence.
  • 81. Phelps v. Firebird Raceway, Inc. The defense of contributory negligence or of assumption of risk shall, in all cases whatsoever, be a question of fact and shall, at all times, be left to the jury.
  • 82. New Mexico Berlangieri v. Running Elk Corporation, 132 N.M. 332; 2002 NMCA 60; 48 P.3d 70; 2002 N.M. App. 39; 41 N.M. St. B. Bull. 25 Equine activities
  • 83. New Mexico: The Equine Liability Act A. No person, corporation or partnership is liable for personal injuries to or for the death of a rider that may occur as a result of the behavior of equine animals while engaged in any equine activities.
  • 84. Berlangieri v. Running Elk Corporation We decline the invitation to abolish this doctrine now. Instead, we think that strict limits on the use of exculpatory agreements would better serve the important interests at stake.
  • 85. Berlangieri v. Running Elk Corporation We conclude the general rule that liability releases for personal injury may be enforced in limited circumstances should be retained. ā€¦the facts of this case fall within the exception to the general rule arising from public policy. Liability releases for equine recreational activities represent another exceptional case where public policy dictates that they not be enforced. Several considerations are relevant to this determination.
  • 86. Berlangieri v. Running Elk Corporation We conclude that the release in this case expressed the intent of the parties that Berlangieri would not hold Running Elk liable for its negligent acts.
  • 87. An Aside: Inherent failures of Equine liability acts Since the passage of Equine Liability Acts, not one horse has been sued. However suits against horse owners have stayed constant.
  • 88. West Virginia Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc., 186 W. Va. 310; 412 S.E.2d 504; 1991 W. Va. LEXIS 222 Whitewater Rafting
  • 89. Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc A clause in an agreement exempting a party from tort liability is, however, unenforceable on grounds of public policy if, for example, (1) the clause exempts a party charged with a duty of public service from tort liability to a party to whom that duty is owed, or (2) the injured party is similarly a member of a class which is protected against the class to which the party inflicting the harm belongs.
  • 90. Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc An example of the second situation just mentioned is that when a statute imposes a standard of conduct, a clause in an agreement purporting to exempt a party from tort liability to a member of the protected [***9] class for the failure to conform to that statutory standard is unenforceable.
  • 91. Murphy v. North American River Runners, Inc Thus, a plaintiff's express agreement to assume the risk of a defendant's violation of a safety statute enacted for the purpose of protecting the public will not be enforced; the safety obligation created by the statute for such purpose is an obligation owed to the public at large and is not within the power of any private individual to waive.
  • 92. West Virginia Kyriazis v. University of West Virginia; 192 W. Va. 60; 450 S.E.2d 649; 1994 W. Va. LEXIS 161 Student was hurt playing rugby at a West Virginia University rugby club
  • 93. Kyriazis v. University of West Virginia Because we believe the University qualifies as a "public service," and that it possessed a decisive bargaining advantage over the appellant when he executed the Release, we find the anticipatory Release void as a matter of West Virginia public policy.
  • 94. Vermont Dalury v. S-K-I, Ltd, 164 Vt 329; 670 A.2d 795; 1995 Vt. Lexis 127 (VT 1995)
  • 95. Dalury v. S-K-I, Ltd ā€¦defendantsā€™ allocation of responsibility for skiersā€™ injuries is at odds with the statute. The statute places responsibility for the ā€œinherent risksā€ of any sport on the participant, insofar as such risks are obvious and necessary. Id. A ski areaā€™s own negligence, however, is neither an inherent risk nor an obvious and necessary one in the sport of skiing.
  • 96. Idaho Lee v. Sun Valley Company, 107 Idaho 976; 695 P.2d 361; 1984 Ida. LEXIS 599 Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Act, Chapter 21 of Title 36, Idaho Code The court held the defendant Sun Valley could not use the release as a defense because it violated public policy as the outfitter was protected by a statute.
  • 97. Utah Rothstein v. Snowbird Corporation, 2007 UT 96; 175 P.3d 560; 593 Utah Adv. Rep. 26; 2007 Utah LEXIS 219
  • 98. States that are all over the place and release law is akin to a ā€œwack a moleā€ game
  • 99. Texas Akin v. Bally Total Fitness Corporation, 2007 Tex. App. LEXIS 1218
  • 100. Pennsylvania Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort, L.P., 593 Pa. 420; 931 A.2d 630; 2007 Pa. LEXIS 1773
  • 101. Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort ā€¦.where the defendant drafts the agreement and the plaintiff is merely a recipient of the document, ā€œit must appear that the terms were in fact brought home to him and understood by him, before it can be found he has accepted them
  • 102. Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort Significantly, the legal term ā€œnegligenceā€ is not clearly defined or illustrated in any way, such as with an example of conduct that can be considered negligent. As such, Appelleeā€™s Release from Liability arguably amounts to an adhesion contract which provides no recourse to one who disagrees with it but to reject the entire transaction.
  • 103. Chepkevich v. Hidden Valley Resort ā€¦there is an assertion that an agreement was reached between Lori and the lift operator which superseded any that might have been created under the Release from Liability form; therefore, we cannot conclude as a matter of law that the disclaimer is enforceable, as this question of fact remains as to what the ski lift operator said to Appellant
  • 104. Savarese, vs. Camelback Ski Corp, 417 F. Supp. 2d 663; 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 41389 (release stops suit over lift accident)
  • 105. Issues Failure to Negotiate the Release Turnbough v. Ladner, 754 So. 2d 467; 1999 Miss. LEXIS 375
  • 106. Lease Negotiation Used to be a requirement that for a release to be accepted, their had to be negotiation for the release to be value. You had to have the opportunity to buy the activity without a release
  • 107. Ways Releases are Being Defeated ā€¢ Legislature Gave Commercial Operator Statute, Statute is All they Get ā€¢ Void as Against Public Policy ā€¢ Harm Done far exceeds what the court can stomach
  • 108. References: Law Review We, The Parents and Participant, Promise Not to Sue ... Until There is an Accident. The Ability of High School Students and their Parents to Waive Liability for Participation in School-Sponsored Athletics, 37 Suffolk U. L. Rev. 439, 2004
  • 109. References: Law Review Validity and Enforceability of Liability Waivers on Ski Lift Tickets, 28 Campbell L. Rev. 107, 2005
  • 110. References: Outdoor Recreation Law Review Case Brief: Hawaiian court case demonstrates change in law actually hinders the recreation businesses it was designed to protect Case Brief: 1985 Idaho Supreme Court finds releases cannot be used to prevent a lawsuit
  • 111. References: Outdoor Recreation Law Review It Takes More Than a Ticket Purchase to Enforce a Contract and Release New Jersey Court decision highlights need to mention heirs when writing a release
  • 112. References: Outdoor Recreation Law Review Utah Supreme Court flip flop on releases for ski areas could have broader consequence Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision endangers strength of releases in recent decision
  • 113. References: Outdoor Recreation Law Review New Hawaiian law to minimize liability exposure may have backfired
  • 114. How to Find a Copy of the Presentation