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humorist-workshop
How to word something legally on a invoice (denying responsibility)
Hi I work at a car repair shop. Sometimes customers refuse to get work done on their car even if it is a severe safety hazard. I like to type on the invoice that the customer has been made aware of such and such and declined repairs and that the company is not responsible for anything that happens to the vehicle in result of what was found wrong with it once it leaves the shop. I tried finding legal pages online to see how to exactly word it but I was getting annoyed trying to search the web. Could anyone help me with how to word this and what wording to use (correct and legal) that shows my company is not liable for anything that happens once that car leaves my shop. Thanks
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The best answer is to have a lawyer write something that will stand up in court. Trying to be your own lawyer is like trying to be your own doctor it will cost you more in the end.
For a simple declaration I would say a lawyer would probably charge between $200 and $300. Tell the lawyer you need something simple that you can easily explain to the customer and you can list below the items that are a safety hazard or make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
This should be printable on your shop computer with two copies. one of which you or the technician delivering the car signs. The other the customer and you sign that you keep for your records with the repair order.
The statement is fairly simple though it has to be legally worded if it is to stand up in court. Word it improperly and you may as well not bothered to have the customer sign it. Lawyers live by the written word. You wouldn't want a lawyer repairing cars you should not try being a lawyer. Stick to what you do best and let the lawyer do what needs to be done to protect you.
In the long run it will be money well spent if you are ever sued for work not done.
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ok i know two mechanics who own their own shops, and one doesnt use the method your talking about and the other does a sheet you sign BEFORE the repairs are made AFTER the diagnostic has been done so that when they sign it, their already agreeing that youve made them aware of any hazardous issues their vehicle may have and as such they have signed for their vehicle and as such are not responsible for undone repairs. thats pretty much what you would say. it doesnt need to be complicated since (im assuming) your a relatively small shop?
you buy the double sheet paper so that they have a copy and so do you so that they can make no arguments later in court against you because "its right there in black and white"
Im also assuming you do full diagnostics on all cars that come in first?? so once youve told them what one of yours guys has caught and they dont want to have it repaired for one reason of another, you tell them and have them sign for the diagnostic so that theres proof that you made them aware you cant get in trouble for that. Ive never heard of that happening or anyone actually winning in court but it IS a valid concern so i can understand why you would ask here.
if you want to hit up my inbox i would be more then happy to take a photo of a repair recipt for my own car if i can find one so that you can read what it says ; )
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If you really want to know if/what you are liable for, you have to talk to a lawyer.
If you wont do that, your best bet may be to speak to other mechanics or owners about who they address this sort of issue with their clients. I highly doubt you are going to be able to find the expertise you need here. For some questions, the internet just doesn't cut it and you really need a real-world expert.
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