A waiver or release is a legal document you may be required to sign as a condition of entering certain premises—such as a gym, zoo, trampoline park, or amusement park—or engaging in a certain activity, such as whitewater rafting, recreational sports, ziplining, rock climbing, bungee jumping, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, archery, skeet shooting, or going on a nature walk.
The primary purposes of a liability waiver or release are (1) to warn you of the dangers of entering the premises or engaging in the activity and (2) eliminating legal responsibility for ordinary negligence (not gross negligence) of the owner, business, organization, or sponsor.
The enforceability of liability waivers or releases vary from state to state and may be governed by a state’s statutes and its court opinions (also known as case law or common law).
In Wyoming, a waiver or release is commonly used by businesses and organizations to limit their liability when individuals enter their premises or participate in potentially hazardous activities. These legal documents serve to inform the participant of the inherent risks involved and typically absolve the entity requiring the waiver of liability for ordinary negligence. However, they do not protect against gross negligence or willful misconduct. The enforceability of these waivers is subject to Wyoming state law, which includes both statutes and judicial decisions. Courts in Wyoming will generally uphold a properly constructed waiver if it is clear, unambiguous, and not against public policy. It is important for individuals to read and understand any waiver or release before signing it, as it may significantly affect their legal rights in the event of an injury or other loss.