05/26/2026
Do Liability Waivers Protect Against Sexual Abuse Claims
Liability waivers are often treated as routine paperwork.
Parents sign them for sports, camps, schools, and daycare programs without much thought. But after abuse occurs, many families are left questioning whether that document prevents them from taking action.
In most cases, it does not.
Waivers are generally meant to cover ordinary risks, such as accidental injuries during an activity. They are not designed to protect organizations from serious misconduct or failure to protect children.
Sexual abuse is not an accepted risk of any program.
Organizations still have a responsibility to provide a safe environment, properly supervise staff, and respond to concerns.
Even if a waiver was signed, that responsibility does not go away.
In many cases, abuse is not a one time event without warning. There are often signs that were missed, ignored, or not taken seriously.
Some of the most common issues include:
Complaints that were not investigated
Lack of supervision or oversight
Inadequate screening of staff or volunteers
Boundary violations that were dismissed
Repeated behavior that should have raised concern
When these failures exist, a waiver is unlikely to prevent a claim.
Taking legal action is not just about financial recovery. It can help uncover what went wrong, hold organizations accountable, and prevent harm to others.
If your child has experienced abuse and a waiver was signed, you may still have legal options.
Read more here: https://obrienlawfirm.com/do-liability-waivers-protect-against-sexual-abuse-claims-in-missouri/
