Liability Waiver Ideas

[krn001]

Hey all -- I need to tap into all your expertise! I'm trying to write up my new "policies & procedures" paperwork for clients, and am having some trouble wording the Liability Waiver section. I don't currently have one in place and want to make sure to include it in the new paperwork. I want to make sure I've covered all my bases without it being too wordy and alarming the client. I don't know why this is so hard for me to write -- everywhere you go you have to sign a liability waiver anymore, so it shouldn't be any different for a MT! Any suggestions/ideas would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[filosfer]

I'll grab one from work and post it tomorrow!

Steph!

 

[Shay ley ley]

Is this what you needed?
It's on the bottom of my intake form.

Robyn



Client Agreement
I understand that the massage therapy given to me by ______________, Massage therapist, is for the purposes of stress reduction, pain reduction, relief from muscle pain & tension, & increasing circulation. I understand that massage therapy does not diagnose illness or disease, or any other disorder, and that massage therapist does not prescribe medical treatment or pharmaceuticals, nor are spinal manipulations part of massage therapy. I understand that massage therapy is NOT a substitute for medical examinations or care, and it is recommended that I am currently working with my primary Doctor for any conditions I may have. I have stated all my known physical conditions, medical conditions, and medications, and I will keep the massage therapist updated on any changes. I understand that a 24 hour notice is REQUIRED for cancellations or rescheduling. If 24 hour notice is not given I will be charged for the full session fee.
Signature: __________________________________________

 

[Dude...]

This is on the bottom of our intake form. I've omitted the name of my place of business.

Before using services at ___________, I certify that I am in good health and I understand it is my responsibility to notify personnel of any adverse or unusual signs or symptoms that I may experience while using the service. I agree that the ___________ officers or any agents will not be liable to me or anyone else on account of any adverse consequences resulting from my use of the service. I understand that payment is due at the time of treatment unless arrangements have been made otherwise. I also understand that I am responsible for payment if third party is not made. _________ requires 6 hours advanced notice to cancel or a cancelation fee equal to 60% of the service value will be charged. Cases of extreme emergency are considered exceptions.

I agree that all massage packages are non-transferableand non-refundable. No exceptions will be allowed. Sharing a package or letting someone else use a massage package is not allowed. Expiration is (1) year from the date of purchase. You will be in default of this contract and will result in cacellation if you (a) fail to use the sessions by the expiration date (b) do not follow the rules and regulations set forth by __________. Initials________ (client initials)

Date________ Singnature__________________________

Steph!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Perfect! These are exactly what I was looking for!
Steph & Robyn -- Thanks for your help! It's MUCH appreciated!

 

[dear jamie]

Perfect! These are exactly what I was looking for! Steph & Robyn -- Thanks for your help! It's MUCH appreciated!

Glad I could help out!

Steph!

 

[Lisa A]

Me too, glad to help.
Steph, I have a question/comment about your form.
Are they yours or your employers?
I doubt that it would release you and your company from liability should an accident happen.
Even WARNING-DOG BITES and NO TRESSPASSING signs do not release the owner/operator from liability.
Myself, I don't think I would sign a liability clause for massage. Yes, to a consent for treatment and disclosure, but not a release from liability.

Just my thoughts....not meant as a criticism, a critique maybe, but not a criticism.

Does anyone else have this?

Robyn

 

[uniquejason]

Actually, if someone is deadset on suing you, anything and everything they sign could be contested (maybe not successfully, it depends). With that said, if the client signs the form but fails to notify you of anything, that at least will offer you some success. It's kinda like the client not filling out a health history form. If they don't want to, it's your choice whether or not you treat them.

 

[Ree]

Even WARNING-DOG BITES and NO TRESSPASSING signs do not release the owner/operator from liability.

In this instance, I've heard that it makes it worse...because you are acknowledging a problem/potential problem.

Heck, people sue Ford for not putting in an air bag in one car, even though they could have bought the car that had one. People sue Dodge because theyput the kid in the front seat without a proper seat and the kid gets killed by the airbag. Snow and rain fall from the sky and people sue the tender of the sidewalk, not the owner, because they fell down. (Dumb, huh? home owner is responsible for the area to the middle of the street, but we can't do anything with the bvld or put a retaining wall right up to the sidewalk because all permanent fixtures must be 6" in on the property line.) Yeah, HO ho HO! t114

 

[yap955]

Steph, I have a question/comment about your form.
Are they yours or your employers? I doubt that it would release you and your company from liability should an accident happen. Just my thoughts....not meant as a criticism, a critique maybe, but not a criticism.

This is from my employers. I work at a wellnes center that is run by a hospital in the next town over. So everything has to be run past the legal department. Blah blah blah. If someone is gonna sue, there's no stopping them. But at least we can say that they were aware of our policies. I think all that mumbo jumbo comes more into play with our packages and the policies that go with them. We've had people try to share them, refund them, and the list goes on. It is our policy that we don't treat anyone without signing that. No exceptions.

As far as I am concered in the whole liability issue, I am covered by my employer. But I'm going to get my own insurance asap. I think AMBP, it's better to be safe than sorry. And don't worry, no offence taken. How are we to better ourselves if our peers don't share their honest opinions with us, thank you Robyn.

Steph!

 

[sarah lane]

I also include the liability thing on my intake form. Additionally, I also have a clause in there about sexual inuendo and advances:
" I understand that any illicit or sexually aggressive remarks or advances made by me will result in immediate termination of the session, and I will be liable for payment of the scheduled appointment."

I want to be sure it is clear before the person even steps into the massage room that I am serious about this stuff. If anyone is offended by it, then they need to find another therapist. So far, my clients have understood the need for me to have this included. They are disgusted that some folks might even think of doing such things and are glad that I am firm about my position on the matter. I think for those that are new to me and might be a little nervous, it makes them comfortable that there is definitely nothing sexual about this massage (just in case they might have been worried about me trying anything).