Q: Does my new business need customers sign liability waivers, or can we have a checkbox during purchase waiving liability
We are starting an escape game business in Florida and almost every competitor makes their patrons sign Liability Waivers. The business is not dangerous. Short of someone tripping or slamming a finger in a door, there isn't anything more dangerous than a minigolf course, and I've never signed a waiver for minigolf. Are these liability waivers really needed? If they are a good idea anyway, can we simply have a checkbox when they purchase (all done online) waiving liability? Thanks for your answers.
A: Liability waivers, or documentation that the customer "assumes the risk" are not 100% effective protection against being sued, but they do tend to discourage nuisance lawsuits. A checkbox would probably work; it seems convincing proof that the customer saw the language.
A: An assumption of risk, or liability waiver, along with a notice of what could go wrong on the premises is an excellent idea. I know one of my family members won't do the room escape because of claustrophobia. That would be one of the disclosures perhaps that should be made. And panic and tripping are also real, if remote, threats. If you really want to know what the risks are, try to get a quote on a liability insurance policy. The underwriter may have further suggestions.
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