Free Release of Liability Form

A release of liability form is a legal agreement where one party agrees not to hold another party responsible for potential harm or damages. It’s also called a liability waiver or liability release, or a hold harmless agreement.

This form can protect your business, property, or personal assets from lawsuits. It’s commonly signed before an event or risky activity, but can also be used to settle claims after an incident.

Common uses include:

• Hosting physical or high-risk activities (e.g., sports or fitness classes)
• Renting out property or equipment
• Resolving a car accident or property damage claim
• Settling a dispute without going to court

There are several types of liability waivers, depending on the situation. Choose the one that fits the type of risk you’re managing.

• General release: Covers broad situations like event participation, service use, or equipment rental.
• Car accident release: Used after a crash to settle claims without going to court.
• Activity waiver: Protects hosts of sports, classes, or events involving physical risk.
• Personal injury release: Resolves claims from injuries, usually in exchange for compensation.
• Property damage release: Used when someone damages property and agrees to settle without legal action.
• Mutual release: Both parties agree not to sue each other, often to end a dispute or finalize a settlement.

To create a valid liability waiver, your form should be clear, specific, and tailored to your situation. You can get started with our customizable template and follow these steps:

1. Add the Basic Details

Start with the date of the agreement and the names of the parties involved:

• Releasee: The party being protected from liability
• Releasor: The party agreeing not to sue

Clearly identify both parties to avoid confusion if there’s a dispute later.

2. Describe the Activity and Risks

Explain what the releasor is doing, such as attending an event, using rented equipment, or participating in a class, and list the potential risks involved. Be specific so it’s clear what the releasor is agreeing to.

3. Include Consideration

A release form is only valid if the releasor gets something in return. Examples of consideration:

• Entry to an event
• Participation in a class or activity
• Compensation or settlement of a dispute

Write this clearly to show both sides got something of value.

4. Choose the Governing Law

Mention the state whose laws will apply to the agreement. Different states have different rules about liability waivers and negligence.

5. Add Extra Legal Clauses (Optional)

To strengthen your waiver, consider including:

• Assumption of risk: The releasor accepts the known risks
• No admission of fault: Neither party is admitting wrongdoing
• Right to legal advice: Both parties can consult a lawyer before signing
• Severability: If part of the agreement is invalid, the rest still applies
• Waiver of all claims: State that all claims between the parties are being resolved

6. Sign and Date the Form

Have both parties sign and date the form. Some waivers are one-sided, while others (called mutual releases) include signatures from both parties.

Your waiver should use clear, simple language and explain:

• What activity is involved
• What risks the releasor is accepting
• That the releasor won’t sue the releasee for those risks
• That both parties agree to the terms

Here’s a short sample clause:

“I understand that participation in [Activity] carries certain risks. I voluntarily assume all risks and agree not to hold [Releasee] liable for any injury or damage arising from my participation.”

Avoid vague terms. Be direct about what is being waived and why.