Expert: Charles W. Field - 7/25/2005

Question
Dear Charles,

I am the stepmother of two teenagers and the mother of a toddler boy.  My husband is a very good father but I feel a bit too relaxed in some ways - we frequently have discussions on what I call "logistical matters" regarding teens and their friends.  To be specific I worry about our liability risk when allowing friends of the teens ride our four-wheelers and horses on or near my property.  He thinks the insurance on the four-wheelers will cover any injury liability and insurance on the house will cover anything having to do with the horses.  He will get a verbal ok from the parents of the kid's friends and assures me the parent is not the litigious kind.  I am more prudish and wonder if that is good enough or if there is any waiver that we can have the parents actually sign.  And are these items truly legal?  My friend tells me in her neighborhood everyone agreed to sign over permission to allow kids to jump on trampolines.  I really am not comfortable taking risks like these without knowing for sure.  We live in Wyoming.  

Thanks for any advice you could send my way!

Leticia

Answer
You should ask these questions of your insurance agent. Tell him/her exactly what your concerns are and get him/her to point to exact language in the policy states these incidents will be covered. As to a waiver, it couldn't hurt but you should consult with a local attorney about the exact wording.