What does a liability waiver typically do for businesses?

A liability waiver is a legal document that businesses use to protect themselves from certain types of claims that may arise from their activities or services. When clients or customers sign a liability waiver, they typically agree to limit the business's liability in the event of an accident or injury.

This means that the waiver may specify that the business cannot be held responsible for specific risks that the customer voluntarily assumes. This legal tool serves to limit potential claims against the business, providing it with a measure of protection and reducing the financial risk associated with lawsuits. By clearly outlining the risks involved and obtaining the signatures of participants or customers, businesses can mitigate the likelihood of facing costly litigation for incidents that fall within the scope of the waiver.

In contrast to simply increasing liability exposure or eliminating all liability—both of which are unrealistic in the legal framework—a properly drafted liability waiver focuses on managing and limiting claims related to foreseeable risks. It does not completely eliminate a business's liability, as waivers may not be enforceable in all situations or jurisdictions, especially if negligence is involved. Additionally, while encouraging customer feedback is a positive aspect of business interactions, it is not a function or purpose of a liability waiver. The primary goal remains the limitation of potential legal claims against the entity, making the identified