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My right to sue if my kids get hurt
It has always bothered me when I have to sign my kids' lives away so they can participate in a field trip, whether they're swimming, horseback riding, canoeing or bungee jumping.
I'm sure you've seen the fine print: "I waive the right to sue if my child is injured or dies," or a variation on that theme.
So I was thrilled last week to see that the Florida Supreme Court ruled that parents cannot waive liability if their children get injured while participating in one of these activities.
Just last weekend, I signed a waiver so my 14-year-old could go on a snorkeling trip in the Keys. This was after the court's ruling! Clearly things are not going to change soon, but at least I know the paperwork, which they make me sign if I want my kid to go, has become meaningless.
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Comments
Everybody wants to sue!!!!! Take responsibility for your own actions!! Accidents happen!!
Kid falls through a skylight. Parents should have taught him not to climb across or try to break through it. Instead, they sue owner of building, skylight manuf., Manuf of tv he was trying to steal, etc--because Johnny is NEVER at fault. Get over it!!
Posted by: JEFF | December 17, 2008 9:57 AM
Jeff, there's got to be a difference between sending your kid on a field trip with his school and having your kid injure himself while he's committing a felony. To compare the two is ridiculous. I'd love to see fewer lawsuits, but not if it means people who should be held accountable are going to hide behind a piece of paper that gives them the right to be negligent.
Posted by: John R. | December 17, 2008 12:18 PM
Jeff, there's got to be a difference between sending your kid on a field trip with his school and having your kid injure himself while he's committing a felony. To compare the two is ridiculous. I'd love to see fewer lawsuits, but not if it means people who should be held accountable are going to hide behind a piece of paper that gives them the right to be negligent.
Posted by: John R. | December 17, 2008 12:18 PM
It will eventually come down to this; no more field trips or any other similar activities. There is a difference between snorkeling equipment not being kept in proper condition and people getting hurt because of it, and a child running around and falling down breaking their wrist. One is negligence and the other is an accident. However, people will try to sue for both, so schools and teachers will just decided it's not worth the hassle.
Posted by: beth | December 19, 2008 10:19 PM