<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, Verdana">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by WorryWart:
My family owns summer waterfront property. On occasion friends will visit and stay. Not all of these adults seem to be responsible and diligent when supervising their children and pets. Activities include the usual summer fare: fishing, boating, waterskiing, bbq, camp fires, etc. Are there added legal precautions we can take besides the usual property/liability insurance that we already have purchased, to protect from losing our property should an accident occur? I'm concerned of lawsuits seeking exhorbitant settlements beyond the insurance limits. Are there documents that visitors sign releasing liability to the property owner? Are they legally binding?
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My response:
Contact your homeowner's insurance agent, and discuss the viability of, and your purchase of, an "Umbrella Policy."
Releases are difficult to control, and unworkable. Some will sign, others won't, and still others will come onto the property without your knowledge, during these "get togethers". They work for, perhaps one or two people because that's manageable. What happens when you have 20 to 30 guests? Make them all sign a waiver by standing in line? This is a quick way to lose friends, or to have the tables turned when you go to their homes.
IAAL
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[This message has been edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE (edited June 12, 2000).]
