A few thoughts about safety

Everyone wants to be “safe.” Whenever you do something that is arguably risky, and you pay someone else to do it, whether that is whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or other recreational opportunities, the company helping you do the recreating usually wants you to sign your rights away. I haven’t liked it, but I have signed several of them within the last year or two.

In Idaho, with some exceptions, these liability waiver agreements have been found to be valid. Whether that is good policy or not can be debated, but it is important to feel comfortable with the provider of these services, if you are going to give your rights away before the recreational activity even starts.

Choose your company wisely, because if you are seriously injured with a neck, back or brain injury as a result of a company’s negligence, and you have already given up your right to get damages, your ability to recover might be gone, even if you hire a good lawyer with “rock solid values and ideals.”

Have a safe summer.

Russ Johnson

About the Author

Russ earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Utah State University in 1990, followed by a Juris Doctor from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU in 1993. He was admitted to the Idaho Bar that same year and the Utah Bar in 1995. With over 25 years of experience in injury law, Russ co-founded Johnson and Lundgreen in 1998. Recognized as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, Russ is part of an elite group of fewer than ten attorneys in Idaho who have achieved this designation. The honor requires meeting stringent criteria, including completing a specific number of jury trials, earning recommendations from judges and peers, and passing a challenging written examination. Russ and his wife, Rhonda, raised five children and his niece. He values family time, often coaching and attending his children’s activities. An avid outdoorsman, Russ enjoys hunting, fishing, and working with his horses.