Stage Usage - Contract and Release?

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scgstuff

DJ Extraordinaire
Jun 30, 2017
754
1,501
Central Texas
garrisentertainment.com
So, I have recently picked up a 16' X 12' Wegner stage that can be configured multiple ways. There are 6 8' X 4' carpeted stage panels and can be 16" or 24" tall. I have 2 organizations that will be using it in the next couple months. One is the local Art Guild, which I will not be present for and Relay for Life, which I will be there. I know I will have a certificate of insurance for the groups, since they are renting from us. But, does anyone have a release of liability or some type of contract where basically "You do dumb, it's your fault." Never rented anything like this before and want to be protected.
 
There was someone here who does stage rentals but I can't recall who...Maybe Bob? @Proformance
 
You better check with your insurance company about that stage. I know my regular DJ Insurance won’t cover that. I’d say you have to add the stage to the policy. I don’t think you could sign away your liability on that item whether you’re there or not if the stage is yours. There are so many ways people can get hurt on & around a stage and sue.
 
This might be one of those time where you might want to find a local lawyer and have them get a contract made up for you. I would want make sure I am fully protected, a stage can do lot more harm than say a tripod getting knocked over.
 
I'm not familiar with that stage unit but kudos for wanting to do this right by covering your ass. Yes the insurance issue with these types of "interactions" has been brought up a few times . Any rentals must have appropriate all perils liability insurance.

If you also provide delivery and setup/strike then the lines can get a little blurry but to be properly insured then you should err on the side of caution and tell the insurance company that you also do production work. Just tell them all your activities, get a few quotes from different companies and pay what you have to pay. Do make sure you list all activities and update them as things change though as the insurance companies will always be looking for ways to not have to pay out.

Unfortunately it's a cost of doing business, but how much is our peace of mind worth?
 
Just one thing, whether you think you have liability or not if it’s your stage you can be sued and you would have to obtain a lawyer to handle that suit. If you are insured the insurance company pays for the lawyer if not you have to pay for the lawyer. And lawyers aren’t cheap. And we’ve all seen many people I have accidents falling off of stages.
 
Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I may have just obtained a free headache. For cost, I am not sure yet. Need to do some research in the area to find out what they go for. 1 of the events using it gave me a bronze level sponsorship with my name on a banner on the stage, on the marketing material and website/social media links. The other I haven't finished the quote yet, as I am trying to get everything done before sending the contract.
 
We have stage, but we never rent it on it's own.
It's almost always as part of a package...where we have sound gear and lights.
Which means we always have staff there to "manage" the stage and the people on it.

Personally, the insurance for renting it out un-attended...would probably be a real nightmare...
even with a good lawyer and a solid insurance policy.
If they can prove that ONE little screw or bolt was missing when an accident occurred...
you'd be in trouble.
 
Shawn,

This is most definitely a circumstance (Providing and constructing stage equipment that will likely be accessible to and used by the general public) where asking for legal advice from a bunch of DJ's could be personally and detrimentally costly...SEEK LOCAL COUNSEL and get reliable advice not anecdotal opinions.

Lawyer Up and save more than a lil bit of grief and, potentially and probably, a shit-ton of money.

Good Luck in your new endeavor.
 
This is most definitely a circumstance (Providing and constructing stage equipment that will likely be accessible to and used by the general public) where asking for legal advice from a bunch of DJ's could be personally and detrimentally costly...SEEK LOCAL COUNSEL and get reliable advice not anecdotal opinions.

The proper advice was already given, but just like days of old you never fail to take any opportunity to belittle other dj's in hopes of making your advice the only one worth listening to. You and @Proformance should get married. You're obviously soul mates.
 
The proper advice was already given, but just like days of old you never fail to take any opportunity to belittle other dj's in hopes of making your advice the only one worth listening to. You and @Proformance should get married. You're obviously soul mates.
Listen, snowflake, nothing my post was belittling nor exclusive...nor did I express any disagreement with or disdain for any, including your advice.

I read azdeejay's wise and considered post and was merely reiterating with added seriousness and (obviously missed by you) adult humor, nothing more.

You and a empty garbage bag should copulate, you're obviously compatible.

NOW , a garbage bag should feel belittled.

P.S. steve, u can KMA 2...LOL!
 
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Anyways, Rocky is correct in saying you should seek legal advice, however it's been my experience that advice even from so called professionals like lawyers shouldn't always be taken as gospel and as a result you should get multiple opinions from which you can draw your own conclusions.
His attempt at stifling conversation by suggesting that we shouldn't even make attempts at pointing you in the right direction or providing sample contracts for you to peruse is the kind of attitude that only facilitates the decline of participation on messaging forums.