Can my employer require me to sign a liability waiver for flying in a plane?

Full question:

Can the company I work for force me to sign a liability waiver for a customer such that I can fly in their plane to perform diagnostics? Would the company have the right to fire me for refusing?

  • Category: Employment
  • Date:
  • State: Connecticut

Answer:

Connecticut courts have determined that certain liability waivers can violate public policy and may be unenforceable. When evaluating these agreements, courts consider various factors, including social expectations and the context in which the waiver is presented.

If an employer requires an employee to sign a waiver as a condition of employment—essentially on a take-it-or-leave-it basis—the courts may view this as an unfair exculpatory agreement. If the employee is informed that refusal to sign will result in termination, this could further support the argument that the employer holds significant bargaining power over the employee. Generally, exculpatory agreements in the employment context are considered to violate public policy.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

An employer can request that you sign certain documents, including liability waivers. However, if signing is a condition of employment and you feel pressured, you may have grounds to challenge the enforceability of the waiver. Courts often view such situations as unfair if the employee has no real choice. It's essential to understand your rights and consult with a legal professional if you feel coerced.