Taxpayers bear brunt of lawsuits
Re “State’s liability waiver law refined,” July 17
If a handshake or e-mail can constitute a binding agreement, it is unsettling that a signed waiver might not. The state Supreme Court decision will only be met with a flood of lawsuits against city-run parks, pools, gyms, camps and many other facilities where users sign waivers assuming risk.
Cities and counties already face millions of dollars in lawsuits each year without this new stipulation, and that money is taken from other budget areas that really need it, such as public safety, transportation and parks. This decision paves the way for abandonment of personal responsibility. And, as usual, taxpayers will pay the price.
JOHN MERCHANT
Chairman, Citizens Against
Lawsuit Abuse
Sacramento
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