Liability

[gljohnson]

Does anyone have a form they use for property owners to sign for release of liability by the beekeeper in removing bees from the property? I am interested in pursuing this area, but am concerned in any liability back to me for damage to the property, especially after the bees are removed and the owner wants the damage repaired.

[Sundance]

Only one word applies here....


INSURANCE

[carbide]

Following is what I use:

Owner: John Smith - Apiculturalist

Service Agreement
I, ___________________________, release Mr. Smith from any liability pertaining to any damages caused by the honeybees or the extraction process. I give permission to Mr. Smith to take whatever action necessary to remove the bees and honeycomb.

I acknowledge that while utmost care will be taken to avoid damages, it may be necessary to obtain outside services at the owner’s expense to repair any resulting damages.

Any work to repair the damages related to the extraction process are not the responsibility of Mr. Smith / Smith's Bee Extraction Services.

Mr. Smith has the right, at any time, to temporarily or permanently discontinue the extraction if any unforeseen obstacles, complications or health hazards arise during the extraction process.
Signature ____________________________________ Date _________________


Before requesting the property owner to sign this form I try to explain the process of removing the bees as well as I can. Included in the explanation is the fact that when removing components such as boards, shingles or siding they sometimes break and need to be replaced. I also explain that the bee colony is not normally at the same location as the entrance hole into the colony. The bees sometimes travel a distance within the structure to get to their nesting site and the removal of materials may be more drastic than the homeowner may anticipate. smile.gif

Be aware that no document that you can get the homeowner to sign will prevent them from sueing you, but any document that you can get them to sign is better than nothing at all when it comes to legal liability.

A good umbrella insurance policy will help with legal costs.

[gljohnson]

Thanks for the words carbide....and the advice.

[magnet-man]

A clear cut and detail contract will help keep you out of court. Some people don't want to deal with a detail contract but it is worth the trouble. I just wish more partnerships would get contracts written up and pay attention to how to break the partnership up when the time comes.