Liability Waivers For US Sports Venue Operators: Key Takeaways From Quezada V. Game Truck Georgia

Liability waivers are an ever-present feature of American sports, given the relatively litigious nature of the American civil court system.[1]  Sports venue liability is a critical issue, especially as such venues re-open as the severity of pandemic eases in some parts of the world.  A recent case of Salvador Reyes Quezada v. Game Truck Georgia, LLC (Quezada) is a helpful reminder if of the potential liability for sports venues and businesses for injuries sustained by participants.

This case is a good reminder of the scope and legality of liability waivers, the potential liability of other non-parties and the quantum (amount) of damages.  The case also deals with interesting aspects of U.S. civil procedure, not least for non-US readers the fact that civil trials are decided by jury.  The legal instructions given to the jury on the ‘assumption of risk’ played an important role in the case.