Loading Page...

Can you sue if your parachute fails?

Absolutely! You or a loved one can sue a skydiving operation for accident injuries even if you signed a waiver. The waiver you signed only protects the skydiving company; it does not protect against equipment failures and gross negligence.



Whether you can sue if your parachute fails depends on the cause of the failure and the language of the liability waiver you signed. In 2026, almost all skydiving companies require you to sign an "Assumption of Risk" waiver, which generally protects them from lawsuits related to the inherent risks of the sport. However, you can still sue for negligence or product liability. If the failure was caused by improper packing by an instructor, a failure to maintain the aircraft, or a lack of proper training, the company’s negligence can override the waiver. Additionally, if the parachute itself had a design or manufacturing flaw, you could pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, which is typically not covered by the waiver you signed with the jump school. Successful lawsuits in this field usually require proof that the equipment or the personnel failed to meet the "Standard of Care" expected in the industry. Because skydiving is a high-risk activity, these legal cases are complex and require specialist aviation attorneys to navigate the interplay between contract law and personal injury torts.

People Also Ask