Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Editor: Rod Sullivan
Profession: Maritime Attorney

Category: Boating Accidents

Must of us think nothing about signing a "Waiver and Release" or "Waiver and Assumption of Risks" before renting a boat or jet ski. Some people assume that "they are not worth the paper they are written on." However, a properly drafted release can insulate the owner from liability. Here is an example:

T.W. took a vacation with her 2 daughters and decided to rent 2 jet skis, one a single
seater for her older daughter and a second two seater for herself and her younger daughter. While she and her younger daughter were on the larger jet ski, they were unable to get it moving until all of the sudden it "accelerated with terrific speed" and threw her and her daughter off of the back, causing T.W. back injury. T.W. had signed a "waiver and assumption of risks" and the jet ski rental company was found not to be liable.