Court Opinion

ID: 9664721
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 00:27:14.798852+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:15:09.302515
License: Public Domain

SCHUETTE, J.
(concurring). First, I concur with my distinguished colleague, Judge TALBOT, in his lead opinion that plaintiff did not establish that defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent, that the Michigan Consumer Protection Act,' MCL 445.901 et seq., has no applicability to this case, and that the facts, circumstances, and pleadings of this case do not involve a premises-liability action.
I further concur, although reluctantly, in the conclusion reached by Judge TALBOT that judicial precedent in the state of Michigan requires this reviewing court to invalidate the preinjury waiver of liability signed by the minor child’s father in this case. I also strongly share the sentiments expressed in the concurring opinion of my distinguished colleague, Judge BANDSTRA. I write separately to emphasize several issues of extreme legal and policy significance that should be addressed as a consequence of this decision.
Plaintiff’s claim concerning the validity of a preinjury, parental waiver of liability for a minor is a newly emerging issue for our courts. As described in Judge TALBOT’s thorough lead opinion, courts across the United States are grappling with this issue, and now it is Michigan’s turn. I believe that under McKinstry v Valley Obstetrics-Gynecology Clinic, PC, 428 Mich 167, 192; 405 NW2d 88 (1987), we are required to invalidate a preinjury, parental waiver of liability to a minor child.
In McKinstry, a preinjury waiver case, our Supreme Court determined that a mother could bind her unborn child to arbitration under § 5046(2) of the Medical *162Malpractice Arbitration Act (MMAA), MCL 600.5046(2).1 Our Supreme Court stated:
Our interpretation of § 5046(2) is a departure from the common-law rule that a parent has no authority to waive, release, or compromise claims by or against a child. Schofield v Spilker, 37 Mich App 33; 194 NW2d 549 (1971); Reliance Ins Co v Haney, 54 Mich App 237; 220 NW2d 728 (1974); 67A CJS, Parent and Child, §114, pp 469-470. However, the common law can be modified or abrogated by statute. Bean v McFarland, 280 Mich 19; 273 NW 332 (1937); O’Brien v Hazelet & Erdal, 410 Mich 1; 299 NW2d 336 (1980). Thus, a child can be bound by a parent’s act when a statute grants that authority to a parent. Reliance Ins Co, supra, p 242; Wilson v Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, 141 Cal App 3d 891; 190 Cal Rptr 649 (1983). We believe that § 5046(2) of the MMAA changes the common law to permit a parent to bind a child to an arbitration agreement. [McKinstry, supra at 192-193.]
Some might argue that the above-referenced quotation is dictum and hence not binding on lower courts in Michigan.2 Or, some might contend that the plain meaning and use of the word “claim” by our Supreme Court in McKinstry may only be interpreted to apply to postinjury waivers, because a claim can only occur after, not before, an injury has been caused.3 Yet, *163in McKinstry, our Supreme Court stated that “the common law can be modified or abrogated by statute,” McKinstry, supra at 192, seemingly implying that, in the absence of a statute to the contrary, Michigan adheres to the common-law rule prohibiting parental waiver of liability in preinjury, as well as postinjury, situations.
The decision in this case is bound to have enormous consequence and profound impact throughout Michigan. Of equal significance will be our Supreme Court’s review of this decision, given the dearth of preinjury, parental-waiver-of-liability cases in Michigan and the wide variety of rulings emerging in other jurisdictions throughout the federal and state courts of this nation. See, e.g., Brooks v Timberline Tours, Inc, 941 F Supp 959 (D Colo, 1996); Lantz v Iron Horse Saloon, Inc, 717 So 2d 590 (Fla App, 1998); Sharon v City of Newton, 437 Mass 99; 769 NE2d 738 (2002); Hojnowski v Vans Skate Park, 187 NJ 323; 901 A2d 381 (2006); Zivich v Mentor Soccer Club, Inc, 82 Ohio St 3d 367; 696 NE2d 201 (1998). Of similar importance is the manner and speed with which the Michigan Legislature responds to this public-policy issue, given the absence of any statute codifying the validity and scope of preinjury, parental waivers of liability for a minor. Most certainly, legislators will come to hear about the impacts of this decision from constituents and interest groups of every competing philosophy and occupation.
Certainly, no one in the Michigan judiciary desires to turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to wayward businesses, dishonorable nonprofit organizations, or volunteer groups that might place a child in a dangerous situation, notwithstanding a parent’s executing a release and waiving liability for resulting injury. Equally significant is the fact that an immense amount of youth *164activities — church groups, Boy Scouts, sports camps of all kinds, orchestra and theatrical events, and countless school functions — run and operate on release and waiver-of-liability forms for minor children.4
Voices will be heard, as this Court heard during oral argument, that no court of law should acquiesce to a piece of paper protecting a business, nonprofit organization, or school group from liability when a child is injured. Equally strong will be the chorus of church, school, and volunteer organizations, and passionate parents, decrying the “chilling effect” of the invalidation of preinjury waivers, freezing out adult volunteers from participating in youth activities and camps of all kinds, with a Sword of Damocles,5 liability speaking, lurking in the weeds or hanging over their heads.
But in the end, the Michigan Legislature will have to determine whether a statutory exception to the common-law rule for preinjury waivers should be adopted, and whether there should be any differentiation between for-profit and nonprofit groups as some states have seen fit to do. See Sharon, supra at 109-110; Zivich, supra at 372; Hohe v San Diego Unified School Dist, 224 Cal App 3d 1559, 1564; 274 Cal Rptr 647 (1990). I hope that the Michigan Legislature acts thoroughly and promptly.
*165APPENDIX A
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*166APPENDIX B
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*167APPENDIX C
Jeff Trickey Quarterback Camps
2008 QUARTERBACK CAMP APPLICATION FORM
My son has my permission to attend the JEFF TRICKEY QB CAMP. I certify that within the pest two years, he has liad a physical examination and that now, he is physically able to participate in football camp activities without restriction. In the event of an illness or injury, I give my consent for medical treatment and
permission to attending physician to hospitalize, secure proper treatment, and order injections, anesthesia, or surgery. I wilt be responsible for any medical or other charges in connection with my son’s attendance in camp.
I acknowledge that at the JEFF TRICKEY QB CAMP my son will participate in a sport that may involve, among other things, physical contact of the body with other persons or objects, including the ground, and that at the JEFF TRICKEY QB CAMP, he may incur a risk of injury. 1 specifically waive, give up and release the JEFF TRICKEY QB CAMP and staff from liability for any claim for damages which I or my son may have for injuries or illness that he may sustain at camp.
Ctunper Signature:.
Parent's Signature:.
NO PLAYER WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PARENTAL APPROVAL
*168APPENDIX D
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Pn ron (/Guardian Consent, Medical Release and Release from Liability Agreement Please read the following information carefully before signing All blanks must be completed. Please read the following information carefully before signing. Activity:______________ Activity Time Period: _____________________________ Activity Sponsor: ____________ ______ _ Participant Name: ___________________ Parent/Guardian Namefs): _ In consideration for allowing Participant to participate in Activity, I/wc, as parents and/or guardians of Participant, agree to the following: Authorize Participant to participate in the Activity for the Activity Time Period stated above. Release, indemnify and hold harmless the Activity Sponsor and University from any and all damages, except for damages caused by the sole gross negligence or intentional misconduct of Activity Sponsor or University, arising out of the participation of Participant in the Activity. Prior to the commencement of tho Activity, I/we were made aware of the nature of the Activity, had sufficient opportunity to inquire further, and understand the Activity has inherent risks and I/we and Participant assume, on behalf of Participant, all those inherent risks. While participating in the Activity, Participant Is subject to the policies, rules and regulations of the University and Activity Sponsor. Possession of fireworks, explosives, any weapon, illegal drugs or alcohol is prohibited and cause for immediate expulsion from the Activity. Further, any Participant repeatedly disobeying University or Activity Sponsor policies, rules or regulations may be expelled from the Activity. Authorize Activity Sponsor, its employees, clinicians, trainers, nurses and agents (collectively, “Activity Sponsor”) the authority to seek, obtain, and approve any medical care and treatment including, but not limited to x-ray examination, anesthetic, medical, dental or surgical diagnosis, or treatment and medical care which may be recommended and provided under the general supervision of any physician or surgeon, for Participant which, in their judgment, is necessary for the health and well-being of Participant during his/her participation in the Activity. I/We further agree thatl/wo are(am) solely responsible for any costs incurred and agree to hold the Activity Sponsor and the Regents of the University of Michigan, their employees and agents (collectively, “University”) harmless for any liability arising out of any good faith action taken in obtaining medical treatment for Participant. The above agreements are binding upon us, our estates, heirs, representatives and assigns. Parent/Guardian Signature_____ Date Parent/Guardian Signature_____ Date Participant Signature ____Date
*169APPENDK E
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*170APPENDIX F
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Detroit Free Press/Ffagstar Marathon Waiver/Release
In consideration of your accepting this entry, I hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for liability and damages I may have against the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon ("Marathon"), its employees, agents, officers, governors, sponsors and volunteers, Detroit Free press, Inc., Flagstar, Detroit Newspaper Partnership, the Cities of Detroit and Windsor, USA Track and Field, and their representatives, successors and assigns, for any and all injuries or death suffered by me in or arising from said event. 1 acknowledge that It Is my responsibility to understand the risks and determine whether I am fit to safely complete this event and the precautions I should take. I attest and certify that my physical condition and ability to safely complete this event have been verified by a licensed medical doctor (except where the latter is in violation of religious principles); and that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained to complete this and future competitions. I grant to the Marathon and its sponsors and licensees the exclusive right to the free use of my name, voice and/or picture in any broadcast, telecast, advertising, promotion or other account of this event. I acknowledge that my entry fee is non-refundabie and non-transferable, even If the race Is cancelled. I agree that any legal claim or dispute arising out of or in any way relating to my participation in this event will be governed by the laws of Michigan and will be adjudicated exclusively by and in the Courts of Michigan.
The registrant acknowledges that MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates has no responsibility for the operation of the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon and associated events and is only acting as an agent to register applicants who wish to participate in the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon and associated events. Accordingly, the registrant agrees to hold MarothonGulde.com/Web Marketing Associates and Its agents harmless from any liability or injury resulting from the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon and associated events. Furthermore, the registrant agrees that it shall have no claim against MarathonGulde.com/Web Marketing Associates for any Injury that may occur during the Detroit free Press/Flagstar Marathon and associated events. The individual event operators and sponsors have provided information included in this site and MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates does not verify the accuracy or completeness thereof. AH confirmed orders are final once payment Is submitted. MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates does not Issue refunds.
*171APPENDIX G
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 MCL 600.5046(2) was repealed by 1993 PA 78, effective October 1,1993.

 Dictum is “ ‘ “judicial comment made during the course of delivering a judicial opinion, but one that is unnecessary to the decision in the case and therefore not precedential (though it may be considered persuasive).” ’ ” Carr v City of Lansing, 259 Mich App 376, 383-384; 674 NW2d 168 (2003) (citations omitted).

 A claim is defined as:
1. The aggregate of operative facts giving rise to a right enforceable by a court.... 2. The assertion of an existing right; any right to payment or to an equitable remedy, even if contingent or provisional.... 3. A demand for money or property to which one asserts a right.... [Black’s Law Dictionary (7th ed), p 240.]

 Appended to this opinion are but a few examples of preinjury, parental waivers, which demonstrate their widespread use. Such waivers are used by youth and community organizations, universities, and nonprofit groups for an immense array of activities across Michigan, including: Arcadia Daze 5K Run (Appendix A), SpringHill Summer Camps (Appendix B), Jeff Trickey Quarterback Camps (Appendix C), University of Michigan Gymnastics Camp (Appendix D), Ann Arbor YMCA (Appendix E), Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon (Appendix F), and Wayne State University Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center Youth Fitness Camp (Appendix G).

 The “Sword of Damocles” was a sword suspended over the head of Damocles in a Greek myth. Wikipedia <http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Sword_of_Damocles_%28disambiguation%29> (accessed July 29, 2008).