General Release

In the same way accidental injuries happen, so do accidental property damages. Alternatively, you may believe the other party is at fault for breaching a contract. Going to court to settle these kinds of disputes can be incredibly expensive. To protect your company from being sued, you could ask your customers to sign a General Release.

In addition to businesses, many individuals also use one to protect themselves. Some of the liabilities this document can prevent include car accidents, accidental injuries on your premises, or injuries caused by an animal that you own.

What is a General Release?

A General Release is a contract between two parties, usually a business and a customer. The latter acknowledges the potential for risks, injuries, and damages but agreeing not to sue the company if any should occur. Signing this document helps both parties avoid potential hassle and settle everything on their own terms. It can be used to resolve any past or future damages and injuries.

There are several versions of this agreement, one of which is used as a release for making claims against the other party. For example, it may apply to property damages caused by construction works, or if someone borrows your car and gets in a car wreck.

Other Names for a General Release

Depending on your state, a General Release may also be known as:

• Conditional and Unconditional Waiver Form

• General Waiver

• Legal Release

• Liability Waiver Form

• Waiver of Liability Agreement

Who Needs a General Release?

The short answer is any business involved in injury- or risk-related activities should have a General Release. Although this is the territory of large companies in the past, just about any company wanting to minimize civil claims' risks can do so nowadays. If a client’s property is somehow damaged, this document clears the business of liability. Most importantly, intentional and at-fault damages are not covered.

However, businesses aren’t the only ones that could use this agreement. In the event of a car accident, both parties involved can choose to settle things outside the court system by signing a General Release. Some states require this document when selling a car. Until the title is officially transferred, you could be liable for any injuries suffered by the buyer.

Without this document, you risk the possibility of getting sued and losing a lot of money. To prevent this, make sure you protect your business and property with a Re.

Why Use Swyft Forms for Your General Release?

Customized for you, by you

Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your General Release.

Right for your state

Each document on Swyft Forms is customized for your state.

How to Create a General Release with Swyft Forms?

Being involved in any lawsuit is not fun. With the help of a General Release, you can protect yourself.

Let Swyft Forms help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. The process is fast and easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.

What Information Will I Need to Create My General Release?

To create your document, please provide:

• Personal Information: Name of the person promising not to sue.

• Amount of Money: The amount given as consideration.

• Effective Date: The date the document goes into effect.

• Assumption of Risk: The signatory understands and accepts the potential risks and dangers.

• Right to Attorney: Both parties have the right to have their attorney inspect the document for fairness.

• Parent or Guardian Signature: If the releasor is a minor, a parent or legal guardian will have to get involved and sign the document. However, this requirement may vary from state to state.

General Release Terms

• Releasor: The party that is promising not to make liability claims against the other party

• Releasee: The party at risk of liability claims

• Consideration: Money or something of value promised to the releaser for signing the document

• Event/Incident Description: Detailed account of the incident or event that requires a General Release

General Release Signing Requirements

A General Release must be signed by both parties, the releasor, and the releasee. In general, the document doesn’t need to be notarized, but you can always choose to have the signatures notarized to prevent future claims to the contrary. Most of all, make sure to review it carefully before signing.

What to Do with Your General Release?

When your General Release is ready on Swyft Forms, you can print it as many times as needed. Keep the copies in your private records and give them to customers or whoever else you would like to enter into this agreement. You may also want to have your lawyer check and see if everything on the agreement is in order.