How to Turn a COVID Liability Waiver Into a One-Click Contract

A one click contract is like any other contract, but it is presented in a way that allows the person signing it to do so by simply clicking on it. With very few exceptions, any contract can be signed with a single click on a website, from a phone, in an email – anywhere you meet your customers digitally, you can deliver a 1-click contract. This blog focuses on COVID Liability Waiver: what it is, why its typical signing method isn’t ideal, and how it can be turned into a one click contract.

Liability waivers are legal contracts that a person intending to participate in an activity is often required to agree to before participating. The waiver has the participant acknowledge the inherent risks associated with the activity and agree to not hold the service provider responsible for injuries sustained as a result of ordinary negligence. Acceptance of the waiver or hold harmless agreement removes the legal liability from the business and/or persons responsible for it. Liability waivers are generally found to be enforceable, but do not extend to gross negligence.

Businesses have been busy working on reopening their doors. They’ve updated sanitation protocols, implemented social distancing requirements and screen employees for symptoms. However, much about how the virus spreads is still unknown and therefore uncontrollable, businesses are considering asking participants in their activities to sign additional waivers related to the possible risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Waivers are signed by a person, or parent/legal guardian of a minor, intending to participate in activity like a fitness class or sports competition.

Traditionally people signing waivers sign them with pen and paper or via e-signature on PDF right before participating in the event. This signing method is not ideal because asking a participant to sign a waiver on the spot doesn’t give participants much time to consider the risk, and as COVID-19 is known to be an airborne virus, signing it when they’re already at the venue largely defeats the purpose of such a waiver.

Service providers can create a standardized waiver detailing the risk of contracting coronavirus. They can then send the link out via text message or email to any and all participants to accept before they arrive at the venue in person.

Service providers are able to track acceptance of waivers against class or competition registrants in advance of an event. If they see somebody has yet to sign the waiver they’re able to send an email or text message to the contract in a matter of moments.

One click contracts are absolutely binding. Also known as a “clickwrap,” courts have enforced millions of contracts accepted by a single click. Ironclad’s platform was built to help ensure one click contracts are created in compliance with all the best practices established in 1000’s of court cases over the past 20+ years.