Liability Free Property?

Question

What is the proper wording to make a sign that says that my company is not liable if people get hurt in my property.
A lot of kids come to my café and play basketball, and I don't want to get sued if anybody gets hurt.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

You cannot absolve yourself of liability by putting up a sign. You can put up a "No Trespassing" sign. If someone is on your property without your permission, your only duty to them is not intentionally harm them.
However, with a basketball court, you have a man-made change to real property which can be considered an attractive nuisance to children under the age of reason. In a case like that, the child is not liable and you are.
You can try getting the parents of the kids to sign waivers. But you would have to get a genius lawyer to write one up (one with no loop holes to be found by another attorney).
If basketball playing is not a part of your business, the safest thing to do is lock up the court and install a no trespassing sign.
I am a (happily) retired claims adjuster.

Answer 2

Well, there *isn't* any proper wording, that will hold up in a court of law. That's just the way it is. So you can put down anything that you think might discourage it - without being obviously threatening.

Frankly, that basketball court is called an "attractive nuisance" - which means, it is inherently attractive to kids, even if it's hazardous. You'll have to take extreme measures (high fence, locked gate) to keep kids from trespassing on it, and even THEN you might be held liable.

Answer 3

You can put up a sign, but that might not absolve you of liability if someone gets hurt. It depends on your local laws.

I would suggest you consult a local attorney and find out how you can best protect yourself.

Answer 4

It's not legal