To explain an indemnity agreement, it is first necessary to define the term "indemnity." Retired Judge Spills The Beans- by Judge DaleIndemnity Agreement Business Law & Taxes By Jean Murray Updated February 11, 2017To explain an indemnity agreement, it is first necessary to define the term "indemnity." Indemnity is defined as "a duty to make good any loss, damage, or liability incurred by another (Black's Law Dictionary). Indemnity has the general meaning of "hold harmless;" that is, one party holds the other harmless for some loss or damage. Some variations of meaning for therm "indemnity:"
Rental car companies also use indemnity agreements to protect against lawsuits from accidents involving rental car drivers. Indemnity Agreements and Dangerous Activities Businesses that offer somewhat dangerous activities to the public (skiing, para-sailing, amusement park rides) require that the members of the public sign an indemnity agreement releasing the business from liability in case of an accident. In reality, if the business is found to be negligent (faulty equipment, poor maintenance), the individual who was injured still has a claim against the company. An indemnity agreement (sometimes called a "hold harmless agreement" can be a contract or a section of a contract. In these cases, an indemnity agreement is contract language that indemnifies (holds harmless) one of the parties in a contract for specific actions that might cause damage to the other party. Examples of Indemnity Agreements
Types of Indemnity Agreements Indemnity agreements are found commonly in construction contracts. In this context, there are several types:
The two parties will be described:
The agreement will state the specific terms under which the indemnitee will be held harmless. This is fairly complicated legal language. Exclusions to the agreement will be described. One common exclusion is negligence or fault of the indemnitee. That is, if the indemnitee can be shown to be negligent, the indemnification doesn't work (the indemnitee is at fault and can be sued). A claims process will described, including when a claim must be filed and the limits to the claim. The agreement wills state who has the burden of proof; usually the indemnifier must prove that the claim is not appropriate. These are the main parts to an indemnification agreement, mostly procedural. Source www.thebalance.com/indemnity-agreement-398294 The Concept of Indemnity in Business ContractsBy Jean Murray Updated September 09, 2016 www.thebalance.com/the-concept-of-indemnity-in-business-contracts-398295 What is Indemnity? The principles described in the terms "indemnity" and "indemnify" are interrelated so these terms are defined and explained together. Indemnity is defined as "a duty to make good any loss, damage, or liability incurred by another" (Black's Law Dictionary). The term comes from a late Middle English word meaning "unhurt, free from loss." Indemnify and and Indemnification To indemnify someone is to absolve that person from responsibility for damage or loss arising from a transaction. (Black's Law Dictionary). Indemnification is the act of not being held liable for or being protected from harm, loss, or damages, by shifting the liability to another party. Indemnity - Variations in Meaning Indemnity also includes an understanding that an injured party has a right to claim reimbursement or compensation for a loss or damage against the person who has the duty. This concept is seen often in civil lawsuits relating to negligence claims. Indemnity refer in some contexts as compensation for loss or damage from the actions of another party. Indemnity can also refer to a legal exemption from loss or damages, as in the case of an indemnity clause in a contract, in which one party agrees to take the liability for loss or damage from another party. In this case, indemnity has the general meaning of "hold harmless." Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreements and State Laws An indemnity agreement is sometimes called a hold harmless agreement, because it is an attempt to make sure that one party does not attempt to sue another party for negligence. At present, 42 states have some kind of state laws that limit the inclusion of indemnity clauses or agreements. While indemnity agreements are a protection against lawsuits, they don't allow compensation for loss or damage. Even where these clauses are not restricted, courts have held that indemnity clauses must be expressed in "clear and unequivocal terms" (Maine) or, "very clearly intended" (Nevada). Indemnity and ContractsIndemnity usually arises in contracts, either as a separate indemnity agreement or as an indemnity clause in a contract. This language is included in cases where there is a possibility of loss or damage to one party during the term of, or arising from the circumstances of, the contract. The right to indemnity and the duty to indemnify ordinarily stem from a contractual agreement, which generally protects against liability, loss, or damage. Uses of Indemnity Agreements in Business Indemnity in construction contracts. Indemnity clauses or agreements in construction contracts are an attempt to protect the contractor from lawsuits and losses due to negligence. Some states Indemnity and Insurance One of the best examples of indemnity is insurance, which an insurance company indemnifies a property owner from losses or damage to that property. The business owner basically transfers the risk of having to pay for negligence to the insurance company. In another example, business owners may buy indemnity insurance for professional liability. Allena Tapia, Guide to Freelance Writing, explains how the concept of indemnity insurance can protect freelance writers. Examples: Here is an example of an indemnity clause in a contract: "I hereby release, acquit and discharge [company] and its agents and employees from any liability arising from any circumstance including the negligence of [company] or its employees. Comments are closed.
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