Waiver for a Hunt Camp

[mbmellis]

I own a camp used by my brother and a few good friends, all grown-ups and reasonable people and have never had any problems. But it occurs to me that some day god forbid we might have a catastrophic problem. Anything from an ATV crash or a firearm accident, falling out of a tree stand, or highly toxic chili. Maybe be I should have them sign something so that some widow wont rush to sue me out of anger or greed. I know a waiver cant remove all liability, and they can always sue, but it would help. What do you think and does anyone have a sample they would care to share?

[mbhunter]

Does your insurance not cover something like that? I think of it as if I went to my buddy's cottage for the weekend I wouldn't expect to sign a waiver before diving off the dock - would expect things like that to be in the cost of home and property insurance. Maybe worth giving your broker a dingle and run it by them

[finsfurfeathers]

Does your insurance not cover something like that? I think of it as if I went to my buddy's cottage for the weekend I wouldn't expect to sign a waiver before diving off the dock - would expect things like that to be in the cost of home and property insurance. Maybe worth giving your broker a dingle and run it by them

If that was true you wouldn't see on the back of amusement parks or parking lot tickets waivers of liability. I have no problem signing a waiver to protect someone from my own stupidity far too many greedy people out there and lawyers to support them.

[welsh]

Well, the first thing about waivers is that you can't contract yourself out of negligence, so they actually don't prevent anyone from suing you.

The second thing is that things like this are why people hire lawyers. Are you ready to hire a lawyer to draft your waiver? If not, don't bother.

[werner.reiche]

Well, the first thing about waivers is that you can't contract yourself out of negligence, so they actually don't prevent anyone from suing you.

The second thing is that things like this are why people hire lawyers. Are you ready to hire a lawyer to draft your waiver? If not, don't bother.

Two very, very good points.
One other question - if you're not negligent and something happens, can you be (successfully) sued?
Get liability insurance and the issue becomes someone else's problem.

[greatwhite]

I wouldn't invite people who are that stupid I only invite my personal friends..

I own a camp used by my brother and a few good friends, all grown-ups and reasonable people and have never had any problems. But it occurs to me that some day god forbid we might have a catastrophic problem. Anything from an ATV crash or a firearm accident, falling out of a tree stand, or highly toxic chili. Maybe be I should have them sign something so that some widow wont rush to sue me out of anger or greed. I know a waiver cant remove all liability, and they can always sue, but it would help. What do you think and does anyone have a sample they would care to share?

[Fox]

I wouldn't invite people who are that stupid I only invite my personal friends..

You still should have insurance.

We made sure that we had insurance and anyone who hunted with us had an OFAH membership in the club as a minimum to have insurance while they hunt.

Personal friends, even good ones, can sue you all the same.

[trimmer21]

Money changes people. You may have a best friend,but,if something happens,they'll turn on you in a heartbeat once the ambulance chasers get a hold of it. Thankfully,sueing someone in this country isn't as easy as in the US. Our civil law system is vastly different with many variables that can easily come back to bite the complainant in the arse. In Canada,it's entirely possible to win the battles then lose the war and be on the hook for legal fees which can quickly outpace any financial award. My advice is to have a liability insurance policy with a specific rider for the camp. A good insurance agent can help with accurate specifics. They may be able to couple it with your existing home owners policy for a sizeable discount on premiums.

[greatwhite]

I have know my best friend since we were in grade 11 in NB over 30 years. I know there have probably been dozens of times I could technically have sued him or he probably could have sued me.

Mind ya we have thought of it and maybe split the money later.

You still should have insurance.

We made sure that we had insurance and anyone who hunted with us had an OFAH membership in the club as a minimum to have insurance while they hunt.

Personal friends, even good ones, can sue you all the same.

[Fox]

I have know my best friend since we were in grade 11 in NB over 30 years. I know there have probably been dozens of times I could technically have sued him or he probably could have sued me.

Mind ya we have thought of it and maybe split the money later.

Good, that is a great, but as trimmer stated, money changes things.

Insurance just covers your butt and recreational property liability insurance is really cheap.