Training potential hot keepers

[BoidKeeper]

First let me say I'm never going to keep hots, I'll never be ready for that type of responsibility. However, I am curious about a certain aspect of the hobby I've been hearing a lot about lately. I've read a lot lately that people who want to keep hots should try and find an experienced keeper who would be willing to train them on their animals. My question is one of responsibility. If you were training someone and they got bit would you be held responsible if they died? The reason I ask is because as far as liability is concerned you are responsible for anyone that comes into your house. So if they come into your house and you let them handle your venomous herps and there's an accident could you be held responsible in a court of law?
Thanks,
Trevor

[BWSmith]

I love having a release form written byt he coporate lawyer for DuPont :D

[Lisa]

Release forms aren't always binding.

[skin78]

I would also make up a contract where everything is mentioned so that if it would happen I would be the one who will be responsible.. But then again I wouldn't let anybody handle any snake I have..

[SCReptiles]

Liability is one of the major concerns in venomous herpiculture. Like Brain, we have a release form for training and for anyone who buys a venomous snake from us. If you are keeping the snakes legally and a death occurred, then I do not think there would be any grounds for criminal charges, but of course there could be civil litigation. In our system one can sue anyone for anything. I understand what Lisa is saying, but I think it would be very difficult to collect anything if one signed documents stating they knew full well what they were getting into, and they accept that responsibility. Of course, if one had say a cobra in a state where they are illegal to possess, I can see how a good DA could get involuntary man slaughter out of that.

[BoidKeeper]

You raised a good point about the legality of it Chuck, I hadn't even considered that such a thing could occure along side the civil end of it which is what I was refuring too. But your right the legal authorites may also get involed if there was an accident. But like you said if both parties were operating legally and an arrangement had been reached prior to training then maybe the law couldn't touch you. Good point though, deffinately something else to consider.
Cheers,
Trevor

[jaybox_reptiles]

i just wouldent worry anbout it cuz if you find the right person to train on keeping hots i dout they will hold you liable and alls they have to do is tell you that or the people at the hospital

Jay

[Mustangrde1]

Jaybox huh? I am no attorney but and I am not really sure what you just said but . If it is not in writing then you can be held liable no matter how much you try to say " we had a verbal agreement" Even if it is in paper you still can face a law suit but atleast then you have something to show the courts you had a contract. As for telling people at the hospitol. What are you talking about?