LIABILITY WAIVER
LEAP feels it is important that interns, and their Parents/Guardians
understand that there are inherent risks associated with volunteering at animal
sanctuaries. This liability waiver lists some, but not all, of these risks as it
is not possible predict all eventualities. All involved – the sanctuary and the
intern – will work to minimize these risks, making them far less likely to
occur, and yet, notwithstanding these efforts or sometimes because of the
failure of these efforts, the risks will still exist. By signing this waiver,
you agree to relinquish, to the fullest extent possible under the law, any legal
rights you or your successors may have should any such risk become a reality.
The dangers and inherent risks can include, but are not limited to, the
following: Terrain hazards include, but are not limited to, slips/trips/falls
and other injuries from wet slippery floor surfaces/ kennels or equipment;
injuries resulting from cage doors, equipment, and similar surfaces or items;
hitting heads on objects such as cage doors/kennel walls/hose boxes, and similar
spaces/objects/surfaces; and water or cleaners sprayed in eyes. Other hazards
include injury that may result from contact with animals, such as scratches,
bites, and allergic reactions; and zoonotic illnesses (human illnesses or
diseases that may be contracted from disease carrying animals), flea, tick
bites, ring work infestation, and internal or external parasites. Injuries
related to lifting animals, food, litter or equipment, injuries caused from
grooming equipment such as clipper blades, shears, driers, exposure to cleaners,
latex gloves, bleach, parasite control products, are other dangers and inherent
risks. There is also a risk of serious bodily harm and injury, loss of
and damage to personal property and even death from contact with large
animals.
ASSUMPTION OF INHERENT RISKS.
I, the Parent/Guardian, have read the preceding paragraphs informing and
reminding me of the dangers and inherent risks associated with volunteering at
an animal sanctuary. I understand that all volunteer work and activities include
inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken by LEAP
and Participating Sanctuaries. I know, understand, and appreciate the types of
injuries inherent in volunteer work and activities. I hereby assert that
participation of my minor is voluntary and the parent/guardian and intern
knowingly assume all inherent risks of volunteering.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY FOR ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF LEAP AND PARTICIPATING
SANCTUARIES AND ANY ASSOCIATED INDIVIDUALS.
In consideration of permission to participate in the LEAP internship
program, today and on all future dates I, the Parent/Guardian, on behalf of
myself, my minor, my spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, personal or legal
representatives, and assigns (hereafter referred to as Releasing Parties) do
hereby waive, release, covenant not to sue and discharge LEAP, any linked
organizations, board members, employees, other volunteers, independent
contractors, participating sanctuaries, individuals affiliated with
participating sanctuaries, and any other organizational partners (hereafter
referred to as the Protected Parties) from liability from any and all claims,
demands, and actions of every name and nature including those arising from (1)
the ordinary NEGLIGENCE of LEAP or other Protected Parties
and/or arising from (2) the presence of my minor Intern on the premises of LEAP
associated properties.
This Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Indemnity Agreement, applies to, but is
not limited to, any of the following:
Illnesses, personal injury (including death), and/or economic loss to the
Intern arising from participation in the LEAP internship program. Any and all
claims resulting from the damage to, loss of, or theft of property. The release
of LEAP from any claims and rights that Inters may have against LEAP now or in
the future.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT.
I, the Parent/Guardian, also agree to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify
LEAP and other Protected parties (that is, defend and pay any judgment and
costs, including investigation costs, attorney’s fees, and related expenses)
from any and all claims of Releasing Parties or others acting on behalf of the
Intern, arising from participating in LEAP Internship Program or presence on the
premises, (including those arising from the inherent risks of the activity or
the ordinary negligence of Protected Parties). I further agree to hold harmless,
defend, and
indemnify LEAP and Protected Parties against any and all claims of
co-participants, and others arising from the conduct of the intern while on the
premises utilized for the Internship Program.
CLARIFYING CLAUSES.
I, the Parent/Legal Guardian confirm that:
- I understand that the LEAP Intern Handbook and Agreements include the entire
agreement between LEAP and me and that these cannot be modified or changed in
any way by representations or statements by any agent or employee of LEAP.
- This Assumption of Risk, Liability Waiver, and Indemnification Agreement is
intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law and that if any
portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall continue in
full legal force and effect.
- If legal action is brought, either the appropriate state trial court for San
Francisco, CA, or the United States District Court for the has the sole and
exclusive jurisdiction and that only the substantive laws of the State of
California shall apply.
- I, the Parent/Legal Guardian agrees to the following regarding the named
minor(s) (and parent to the extent relevant):
- Understand it is unwise to be near animals alone without a Sanctuary
employee.
- Know that I should let one or more persons know where I go when I separate
from groups and am not in sight of Sanctuary employees or other Interns.
- Possesses no health problems or physical disabilities that would make LEAP
Internship Program participation unwise or risk injury.
- Rules and Safety. The Parent/Legal Guardian and minor(s) agree to the
following:
- To wear appropriate footwear; and any other recommended safety gear.
- To follow all rules of LEAP and Participating Sanctuaries.
- That LEAP has authority to restrict my minor’s participation if it endangers
them, other Interns, or the Participating Sanctuary.
- Understands injury or death can occur while working with animals at the
Sanctuaries and assumes all risks with the care of and work with animals at the
Sanctuaries and all other Sanctuary volunteer work.
- Medical Care. The Parent/Legal Guardian and minor(s) agree to the following:
- Authorizes the use of first aid or CPR if deemed necessary.
- Authorizes LEAP to secure emergency medical care and transport if deemed
necessary.
- Agrees to assume all cost of emergency care and transportation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF UNDERSTANDING.
I, the Adult Participant have read this Agreement and understand that I am
giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue for damages in the event
of death, injury, or loss. I acknowledge that I am voluntarily signing this
agreement, and intend my signature to be a complete release of all liability,
including that due to the INHERENT RISKS of being on an animal sanctuary and in
close proximity to animals as well as the ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE of the Protected
Parties, to the greatest extent allowed by law.
I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the above and understand the
commitment of participation in the LEAP Program.