A wide range of potential liabilities can arise from different situations. As a result, several types of release forms exist specifically to address issues that are common to certain situations.
LawDepot provides the following types of liability waiver templates:
General release of liabilityA general release of liability is used when one party wishes to relinquish legal claims or complaints against another party in a dispute. This is a broad release and is often used in situations involving contracts (such as between an employer and employee) or minor disputes (like when problems delay an independent contractor from completing a project).
Mutual releaseA mutual release is used when both parties accept responsibility for the injuries or damages that they have suffered. Both parties waive their right to take legal action against each other in exchange for compensation. A mutual release is often used in business agreements, like when two business owners enter a partnership.
Motor vehicle accident releaseA motor vehicle accident release is generally used when there is minimal vehicle damage or personal injury after an accident and the parties involved wish to settle the situation without filing a lawsuit (although, insurance companies may still need to be involved). Some insurance companies require you to get their permission before you're able to sign a release, so it's recommended you consult your insurance policy to be sure a Release of Liability does not contradict the terms of your policy.
Activity waiver and releaseAn activity waiver and release is typically used prior to an event or activity in which there is potential for damage, loss, or injury to occur. For example, many sports clubs and event organizers will ask participants to sign a waiver. By signing a waiver, participants acknowledge the risks involved in the activity and release the activity provider from liabilities.
Property damage releaseA property damage release is often used when there is minor damage to someone's personal property (e.g. when a person's fence is damaged after a neighbour crashes their bike into it) and the issue is easily settled with monetary compensation.
Personal injury releaseA personal injury release is generally used when a person suffers a relatively minor injury. LawDepot's personal injury release may be used for both known and unknown injuries: this means a releasor agrees not to pursue legal action even if an issue develops after the agreement is entered into. For instance, a person might develop an infection weeks after getting cut at work. However, if they signed a release before the infection arose, they wouldn't be able to hold the releasee liable for the infection.
Debt settlement agreementA debt settlement (also known as a debt-accord and satisfaction agreement) is used when a lender accepts less money than what was borrowed as a full settlement for the debt. The parties may decide to settle the debt this way because they cannot agree on the amount owed or the value of goods or services that were provided (e.g. a client might withhold payments from a hired contractor whose work did not fulfill their expectations). In contrast, parties may settle a debt this way even if there is no dispute but the borrower is unable to repay what's owed within a reasonable time.