Updated February 08, 2024
A release of liability or waiver is a legal document that a person signs to acknowledge the risks involved in a particular activity and to not hold the organization or individual for any harm that might arise.
If a release is signed after an event, it may include payment for damages in exchange for letting the other party free from legal or financial exposure.
Common Uses
- Animal-related activities
- Equipment rentals
- Events
- Field trips
- Medical procedures
- Volunteer projects
Release Type (14)
Car Accident Release of Liability – Settles a fault and releases a party involved in a motor vehicle accident from any further legal or financial liability
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Lease Agreement Release – Used when a tenant or a landlord wants to terminate a lease before its end date
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Location (Event) Release of Liability – Most commonly used by a party hosting or sponsoring an event to protect themselves from any liabilities that may result from injuries or accidents.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Mechanics Lien Release – This form erases any lien that has been placed on real estate by a contractor or any type of laborer.
Download: PDF
Media (Photo/Video) Release – Allows a third party to use videos or photos of an individual for their own use.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Medical Record Information Release (HIPAA) – Standard form that allows a patient to give the authorization to share their medical records with a third party
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Mutual Release Agreement – To settle claims between 2 parties involved in a dispute.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Non-Compete Release Form – Allows a person to be released from the non-compete restraint.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Photo Release Form – For the general purpose of using the image of a person or entity for commercial use.
Download: PDF
Real Estate Purchase Release – To release a buyer and seller from a contract for the purchase of real estate.
Social Security Release of Information (Form SSA-3288) – This allows a third-party representative to access an individual’s social security benefit information.
Download: PDF
Training Release Waiver – Allows physical trainers to indemnify themselves from a client if they get injured while working out.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Veterans Affairs Medical Records Release (VA Form 10-5345) – Used to release healthcare information being held by the VA to be transferred to another entity or individual.
Download: PDF
Video Release – This allows another individual or entity to use footage of someone else for any type of video publication.
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
What is a Release of Liability?
A release of liability sets a person free from any legal or financial entanglements. It allows both parties to walk away without fear of reprisal. Some require the releasee to make a payment or follow other conditions to remain valid.
After a release of liability has been signed, there is no other recourse for the releasor. The releasee will have no outstanding obligations to the releasor.
When to Use
A release of liability is commonly used when:
- Selling a vehicle.
- After a car accident.
- Hiring contractors.
- Terminating employment.
- Transferring medical records.
- Releasing a lien.
- Getting out of any type of high-risk situation.
How to Get a General Release (3 steps)
1. Make a Deal
Negotiate a deal with the other party that satisfies all outstanding debt and liabilities. It is recommended to send a Settlement Offer Letter that includes an offer amount to settle the matter.
If an agreement is reached, the parties should write a release of liability.
2. Draft a Release of Liability
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Complete the document by entering the details of both parties and the settlement amount.
If there is a payment required as part of the release, it should be paid at the time of signing. Once both parties authorize the document, no further responsibility or liability will be owed to either party.Sample
GENERAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I. THE PARTIES. This General Release of Liability (“Release”) is made this [RELEASE DATE] is by and between:
Releasor: [RELEASOR’S NAME] with a mailing address of [RELEASOR’S MAILING ADDRESS] (“Releasor”), and
Releasee: [RELEASEE’S NAME] with a mailing address of [RELEASEE’S MAILING ADDRESS] (“Releasee”).
II. LIABILITY EVENT. Under the terms of this Release and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Releasor hereby releases and forever discharges the Releasee of: [DESCRIBE THE LIABILITY] (“Liability”).
THEREFORE under the terms of this Agreement and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, do hereby release and forever discharge the Releasee including their agents, employees, successors and assigns, and their respective heirs, personal representatives, affiliates, successors and assigns, and any and all persons, firms or corporations liable or who might be claimed to be liable, whether or not herein named, none of whom admit any liability to the undersigned, but all expressly denying liability, from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions, causes of action or suits of any kind or nature whatsoever, which now have or may hereafter have, arising out of or in any way relating to any and all injuries and damages of any and every kind, to both person and property, and also any and all injuries and damages that may develop in the future, as a result of or in any way relating to the Liability.
III. PAYMENT. As part of this Release, the Parties agrees to: (check one)
☐ – No payment by the Releasee to the Releasor.
☐ – A payment of $[PAYMENT AMOUNT] by the Releasee to the Releasor.
It is understood and agreed that this Release is made and received in full and complete settlement and satisfaction the causes of action, claims and demands mentioned herein; that this Release contains the entire agreement between the Releasor and Releasee; and that the terms of this Release are contractual and not merely a recital.
IV. BINDING EFFECT. This Release shall be binding upon the undersigned, and his respective heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
Releasor’s Signature: ______________________________
Date: ________________
Print Name: ______________________________
Releasee’s Signature: ______________________________
Date: ________________
Print Name: ______________________________