Legal Template
Free Release of Liability (Waiver) Template
A release of liability protects against claims arising from participation in activities or events.
Template
Copy this markdown, replace the {{variables}}, and send via API.
# Release of Liability
**Organisation:** {{orgName}}
**Participant:** {{participantName}}
**Activity:** {{activityDescription}}
**Date:** {{date}}
## Assumption of Risk
I acknowledge that {{activityDescription}} involves inherent risks.
## Release
I release {{orgName}} from any liability arising from my participation.
## Indemnification
I agree to indemnify {{orgName}} against any claims.
## Medical Consent
{{medicalConsentTerms}}Send for e-signature
curl -X POST https://signb.ee/api/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"content": "YOUR_RENDERED_MARKDOWN",
"senderName": "Your Name",
"senderEmail": "you@company.com",
"recipientName": "Recipient",
"recipientEmail": "recipient@email.com"
}'What happens next
- Signbee converts the markdown to a professional PDF
- Recipient gets an email with a signing link
- Both parties sign with an animated handwriting signature
- Both receive the signed PDF with a SHA-256 certificate
All signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS, and ECA.
More details
A release of liability (also called a waiver, hold harmless agreement, or assumption of risk) protects organisations from legal claims when participants are injured or suffer losses during activities. They're essential for fitness centres, adventure sports, events, construction sites, and any activity with inherent risk.
Do liability waivers actually hold up in court? Yes, in most cases — but with important limitations. Courts generally enforce waivers that are clear, specific, voluntary, and signed by a competent adult. However, waivers cannot protect against gross negligence, intentional harm, or violations of statutory duty. A gym can waive liability for normal exercise injuries but not for a faulty machine they knew was dangerous.
Key elements for an enforceable waiver: 1. Clear language — The waiver must explicitly state that the participant is giving up the right to sue. Vague language weakens enforceability. Use plain English, not legal jargon. 2. Specific risks — List the specific risks associated with the activity. Generic statements like 'there are risks' are less enforceable than 'risks include falls, sprains, fractures, and equipment failure'. 3. Voluntary signing — The participant must sign voluntarily without coercion or pressure. They should have time to read and understand the document. 4. Conspicuous presentation — The waiver should be a standalone document, not buried in fine print. Bold headings, clear formatting, and reasonable font size. 5. Consideration — The participant receives something in exchange for signing (participation in the activity). This is usually satisfied automatically. 6. No gross negligence exclusion — You cannot waive liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Courts will strike down waivers that attempt this.
Minors: In most US states, parents cannot waive a minor's right to sue. Some states allow it by statute; others don't. This is a critical jurisdiction-specific issue for children's activities, sports leagues, and school programmes.
Electronic waivers: Digital waivers signed on tablets or smartphones at the point of participation are increasingly common and legally valid. They provide better record-keeping than paper forms.
Frequently asked questions
Do liability waivers hold up in court?
Generally yes, if they are clearly written, specifically describe the risks, are signed voluntarily by a competent adult, and don't attempt to waive liability for gross negligence or intentional harm. Courts evaluate each waiver based on its clarity, specificity, and the circumstances of signing.
Can parents sign liability waivers for minors?
It varies by jurisdiction. Some US states allow parents to waive a minor's claims by statute; others do not. In many jurisdictions, a parent's waiver does not bind the minor, who may still sue upon reaching adulthood. Always check local law for children's activities.
Can liability waivers be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic liability waivers are valid under ESIGN (US), eIDAS (EU), and ECA (UK). Digital signing on tablets or smartphones at the point of participation is now standard practice and provides better record-keeping than paper forms.
Related resources
Send this template for signing — free, no credit card.