Haines v. St. Charles Speedway, Inc.
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
874 F.2d 572 (1989)
Relevant factsFree
Haines (plaintiff), a racing participant of over 30 years' experience, signed a broad liability release, as he had many times before, releasing St. Charles Speedway (defendant) from claims arising from his presence on the infield. Haines was injured and sued, but the district court granted St. Charles summary judgment based on the release; Haines argued his limited reading ability meant he didn't truly understand or accept the agreement's significance.
IssueFree
Whether a standard-form adhesion contract releasing liability is enforceable against a signer with limited reading ability who has extensive experience with the activity and the type of agreement involved.