February 17, 2023
When participating in an activity with a business that might end in injury, most companies require participants to sign waivers. However, did you know that even if you sign a waiver, companies can still be held liable for your injuries if negligence was involved? More and more fun attractions are opening up across the nation that require waivers from cable wakeboarding to indoor axe throwing. While these can be extremely fun, it is important to keep safety in mind, according to a personal injury lawyer from our friends at Schehr Law. They have provided us with some tips on how to enjoy these extreme activities while staying safe:
Check Equipment
Do not just take a company’s word for it that their equipment is safe. Take the time to ensure that everything looks up to par. If you have to wear a harness, double check that it does not seem worn or frayed. Additionally, if you feel you have not put the harness on correctly, ask one of the workers to check it just to be extra sure. Verify that the facilities are clean and clear of obstructions. Sometimes companies can be careless when rushing around trying to help customers, or employees can even be tired and forget to check something. It never hurts to double check it for yourself.
Follow the Rules
Companies put rules in place not just out of concern for safety, but often because someone has made the rule a necessity. For example, if you go to an indoor axe throwing business, one rule they will tell you is to not try to catch the axe if it bounces off the target. There were actually a few cases of people doing this and becoming seriously injured. The rules are there for a reason! If there is not a rule in place and something happens where you still get injured, that is when you should contact a lawyer for help.
Read the Waiver
Do not just sign safety waivers. It is best practice to look through them first. Of course some of the language in them may be hard to understand, but skimming through to make sure you understand the main point is what is important. If something is concerning, bring it up with the company and ask for clarification. If there is anything that is outright alarming, do not sign the waiver. Chances are you can find another company that does the same thing, but safer.
Be Aware
Most extreme activities such as indoor rock climbing require you to be cognizant of your surroundings. You do not want to step on someone or fall and take another person with you. Always be aware of what is happening around you. If there is a person not following the rules and behaving in a dangerous manner, alert the business immediately. They will ensure that person is made to follow the rules. If the business does nothing, for your safety it would be better to walk away. Even though you were not injured, you can still contact a lawyer about that situation as the company knowingly endangered your life and health by not enforcing important rules.
Hopefully you are able to enjoy extreme activities safely, but if an accident occurs due to the negligence of the company behind them, contact an injury lawyer near you for help immediately.