What is a "waiver of liability" in tort law?

A waiver of liability in tort law refers to a contractual agreement in which one party agrees to give up their right to bring a lawsuit against another party for potential negligence or harm that may arise during certain activities or events. This means that if an individual is injured while engaging in an activity for which they signed a waiver, they may be prevented from suing the provider of that activity for damages, assuming the waiver is enforceable under applicable law.

This concept is particularly relevant in contexts such as recreational activities, sports, or events where inherent risks are present. For a waiver to be valid, it usually must be clear and unequivocal, and individuals must have a reasonable understanding of the risks they are assuming.

Other options reflect different legal concepts: a legal defense for negligence involves justifications for not being responsible, an insurance policy relates to financial coverage of claims, and dispute resolution methods pertain to alternative ways to settle conflicts outside of courtroom litigation. These do not encapsulate the essence of a waiver of liability, which is specific to relinquishing the right to sue.