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What is the Assumption of Risk?

Charity Delich
Charity Delich

Assumption of risk is a defense that is sometimes raised in personal injury lawsuits. Essentially, under this doctrine, a party is not allowed to recover damages from an injury if she voluntarily put herself in harm’s way or voluntarily exposed herself to a known danger. A defendant generally raises this defense in order to discount facts given by the plaintiff.

For example, assume that Joe broke his arm when he fell into a manhole while walking down the street in the town of Anywhere. He may sue the town for negligence, seeking to recover damages for his injuries. Suppose, however, that the town had roped off the area where the manhole was and posted large signs warning pedestrians to avoid it. In its defense, the town may raise the doctrine of assumption of risk. The town may argue that Joe voluntarily assumed the risk of injury because he walked through the area even though it was roped off and large warning signs were posted.

A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when walking into an area with posted warning signs.
A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when walking into an area with posted warning signs.

Typically, the defendant must affirmatively prove assumption of risk in order for it to stand as a defense in court. This is done by first showing that the plaintiff was aware of a particular risk. In the example above this would be demonstrated by evidence showing that the town had posted signs and roped off the area, making Joe aware of the risk. The second element that must be proved is that the plaintiff voluntarily assumed the risk. By choosing to ignore the ropes and signs, Joe arguably voluntarily assumed the risk of getting injured in the manhole.

A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when ignoring posted warning signs.
A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when ignoring posted warning signs.

This defense can be classified as express or implied. Express assumption of risk occurs when a plaintiff explicitly agrees to take on a risk. This is often done through a contract. For instance, if Jane is going skydiving, she will likely be required to sign a release form indicating that she is aware that skydiving is dangerous but she agrees to accept the risks associated with it. The release will also like relieve the skydiving company of liability in the event Jane is injured.

An individual assumes the risk of injuring when ignoring a wet floor warning sign.
An individual assumes the risk of injuring when ignoring a wet floor warning sign.

Implied assumption of risk occurs when the plaintiff’s actions imply that the plaintiff has consent to assume the risk. Although the plaintiff does not have a contract with the defendant, the plaintiff’s conduct evidences that the plaintiff has agreed to voluntarily take on the risk. Joe’s injuries from the manhole, in the example above, would be implied assumption of risk.

Discussion Comments

indemnifyme

Assumption of risk is relevant in the field of insurance too. Every state has some coverages that are mandatory and other coverages that must be offered. If someone wants to turn down the coverages that aren't mandatory, they have to sign a waiver.

A lot of times people do this to save money. Then when something happens they are upset it isn't covered. That's why it's important for us to get them to sign a release saying they understand they're assuming the risk by saying "no" to the coverage.

JessicaLynn

@JaneAir - Wow it sounds like your friend should have gotten some money from the city in that instance.

However, there are definitely some times when people do assume the risk. I think it's really good that this is an acceptable defense in a law suit.

Sometimes, people choose to do risky things knowing they are risky. If someone knows the risk I don't think they should be able to turn around and sue if something bad happens when they knew it might.

JaneAir

It's funny that falling into a manhole was used as the example in this article because I actually know someone that was injured this way. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to recover any money from the city.

The manhole wasn't roped off or anything like that, but somehow the city got out of the lawsuit. I always thought that was a crazy story, because like the article said, no one would reasonably assume it's just risky to walk down the street!

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    • A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when walking into an area with posted warning signs.
      By: Stephen Finn
      A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when walking into an area with posted warning signs.
    • A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when ignoring posted warning signs.
      By: simonjohnsen
      A person voluntarily assumes the risk of injury when ignoring posted warning signs.
    • An individual assumes the risk of injuring when ignoring a wet floor warning sign.
      By: Michael Flippo
      An individual assumes the risk of injuring when ignoring a wet floor warning sign.
    • Individuals may sign an assumption of risk agreement when white water rafting.
      By: mavrick
      Individuals may sign an assumption of risk agreement when white water rafting.
    • Skydivers usually sign an agreement including an assumption of risk.
      Skydivers usually sign an agreement including an assumption of risk.