Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

Parental Consent and Medical Release Form

I have to sign this form for my son to attend a church youth function. I am not comfortable with the following statement, nor have I ever signed a statement to this extent :

I/We, the undersigned do hereby release and forever discharge New Life Baptist Church and any other entity, corporation, or person providing services to New Life Baptist Church, from any and all claims, past, present and future, arising out of any damage or injury to said child.

If I sign this release my 15yo son can attend the ski trip with the church youth group. If a snow plow happens to run my son over on this trip or if the youth paster decides to drink and drive, do I have any legal rights. I agree not to hold the church responsible but If something happens to my son out of neglegience, I expect to hold someone responsible. What are my rights if I sign?


Asked on 2/28/07, 5:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: Parental Consent and Medical Release Form

I hate these releases -- and often by people or groups who decrey that "modern society" has lost its way because people are unwilling to take "persorsonal responsibility" for their conduct. Then they sneak releases past people where they will not have to take personal responsibility for their conducy! wow. what a world indeed.

I have dealt with these releases by signing them -- but making a slight change that is only rarely if ever caught. Insert a small word in the release. use the same color (usually black) ink as the type. change the beginning to read: "I/We the the undersigned do not hereby release". With the addition of the word "not" the release becomes a non release. usually, all they do is collect the releases. no one ever reads them. hand in a signed paper and everyone is happy.

Do not tell others in the group about this or it will spread and be discovered. If you keep it to yourself, you can protect your family from the drunk counselor on the snow mobile. Best of luck to you.

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Answered on 3/16/07, 11:28 pm


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