Releases from Liability
A West Virginia court refused to enforce a “release agreement” signed by the youth pastor of a church on behalf of a 14-year-old girl who drowned.
Accidents
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities
A Florida court ruled that members of a school's board of directors were not personally liable for injuries caused by the negligent driving of a minor.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 1
A Michigan court ruled that a church was liable on the basis of negligent supervision for injuries sustained by a small boy.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 2
A New York court ruled that a preschool could be liable on the basis of negligent supervision for injuries to a four-year-old child who fell down a flight of stairs.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 3
A California court ruled that a church was not responsible on the basis of either "premises liability" or negligent supervision for injuries suffered by a volunteer worker.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 3
The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that "industry standards" for safe playground equipment could be used by a parent to prove that her child's school was negligent.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 4
A Washington state appeals court ruled that a school was liable on the basis of a state "product liability" law for the illnesses of several students who contracted e. coli poisoning.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 1
A Minnesota court ruled that a church was not responsible for injuries sustained by a worker while installing a church steeple.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 2
A New York court ruled that a school was not responsible on the basis of negligent supervision for an injury to a child because no amount of supervision would have prevented the accident.
Underinsured Church Vehicles: A Significant Risk for Many Churches
Church treasurers should ensure their church’s auto insurance policies provide adequate coverage.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 1
An Ohio court ruled that an indemnification clause in a "facility use agreement" required a charity that used a nonprofit camp to reimburse the camp for any legal judgments or settlements arising out of injuries occurring at the camp.
Denominations—Legal Liability
A federal court in Louisiana ruled that a church in Florida was not responsible for the liabilities of a church in Louisiana.
Church Liability
A New Jersey court ordered a plaintiff to pay the attorney fees of a church employee because a lawsuit naming the employee as a defendant was frivolous.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 2
A California court ruled that an employer's cell phone records can be used to show whether or not an employee was talking on a cell phone at the time of an accident.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 3
A Georgia court address the question of a property owner's liability for injuries occurring to minors who skate or ride bikes on their premises.
Unincorporated Churches
A Georgia court ruled that a member of an unincorporated church could sue his church for injuries he sustained while participating in a construction project.
Should Your Church Have a Defibrillator?
An issue of life and death.
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 1
A North Carolina court ruled that a church could be liable for serious injuries suffered by a woman during a church-sponsored "hayride."
Personal Injuries on Church Property and During Church Activities – Part 2
A California court ruled that a school was liable for the death of an 11-year-old student who died of an asthma attack during school hours.
Workers Compensation – Part 2
A Washington appeals court ruled that a church could recover its attorneys fees from an employee who filed a frivolous lawsuit against it.