Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam

The voluntary assumption of risk in negligence cases is defined by a party agreeing to participate in an activity with full knowledge of the inherent risks involved. This means that the individual acknowledges and accepts the potential dangers associated with the activity before engaging in it. By doing so, they effectively release the other party from liability for any injuries that may occur as a result of those risks. This concept is critical in negligence law as it emphasizes the importance of informed consent. The individual must be aware of what the risks entail and consciously choose to accept them, which is the foundation of the defense against negligence claims in many situations. Choices such as ignoring safety warnings or being coerced to participate do not align with the fundamental principle of voluntary assumption of risk, as they imply a lack of informed decision-making or pressure that compromises the voluntary nature of the agreement. Similarly, having legal representation while participating does not inherently signify that a person assumes risk voluntarily; rather, it may indicate an added layer of awareness but does not define the core principle of informed consent.