What is limitation of liability clause? | Definition from TechTarget (2024)

A limitation of liability clause (sometimes referred to simply as a liability clause) is the section in a contracted agreement that specifies the damages that one party will be obligated to provide to the other under terms and conditions stipulated in the contract.

In a legal context, a liability is generally a responsibility to compensate for some failure to perform according to an established or agreed-upon stipulation. Because there is an element of risk inherent in most business agreements, limitation of liability clauses are common in all areas of contract law.

In IT, limits of liability clauses are typically written into contracts between any two parties, including distribution agreements, software license agreements and service-level agreements. In a software license agreement, for example, the limitation of liability is one of the most important clauses because it limits the amount and types of damages one party can recover from the other party. For example, if the software doesn't work and the company suffers damages as a result, the limitation of liability will restrict the company's ability to recoup its loss.

Because a limitation of liability clause typically favors whichever party drafted the agreement -- usually the vendor -- it's particularly important to negotiate that part of the contract after careful consideration.

This was last updated in June 2014

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What is limitation of liability clause? | Definition from TechTarget (2024)

FAQs

What is limitation of liability clause? | Definition from TechTarget? ›

In a software license agreement, for example, the limitation of liability is one of the most important clauses because it limits the amount and types of damages one party can recover from the other party.

What is the limitation of liability clause in engineering? ›

These limitation of liability clauses can limit the liability of the design consultant to an obligation to complete services over again that fall below the applicable standard of care either to the amount of the professional services fee, a set dollar amount or the amount of available insurance coverage.

What is an example of limits and liabilities? ›

For example, you may see your personal liability coverage with $100,000 listed next to it. This means your insurance company's limit of liability is $100,000, and it will pay claims up to that amount as long as the details fit what's outlined in your policy.

What is the limitation of liability clause in SaaS agreements? ›

Your liability in running a SaaS app could be endless - from system failure to unsatisfied users. A Limitation of Liability clause protects your SaaS business from these legal dangers by contractually binding a user to being unable to seek certain damages from you.

What is a limitation of liability clause in consulting agreement? ›

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall the Consultant or Payson be liable for any losses incurred by the Company as a result of the performance of the Services in excess of the (i) the Fee, minus (ii) the Unreimbursed Expenses, if any.

Should I accept a limitation of liability clause? ›

Why is a limitation of liability important? Essentially, a limitation of liability clause limits the number of damages, protects your business from being held liable for large amounts of money, and can even prevent bankruptcy in the event of an unforeseen lawsuit or legal dispute.

What is a limitation of liability contractor clause? ›

A limitation of liability clause limits the amount and/or types of damages that may be attributable to a particular party under the contract for that party's future breach, misconduct while performing under the contract, or indemnification liability.

What does limits of liability clause mean? ›

Limitation of liability means a contractual provision to reduce or exclude the types and amounts of liabilities one party may recover from another party relating to default or non-performance in connection with a contract.

What is an example of a limitation on liability clause? ›

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL COMPANY'S TOTAL LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE CUMULATIVE PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY COMPANY FROM CUSTOMER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.

How do you explain liability limits? ›

Liability limits are the maximum dollar amount of damages (“indemnity”) an insurance carrier will pay on your behalf.

What is an exception to limitation of liability clause? ›

Examples of exclusions from limitations of liability include losses resulting from a breach of confidentiality, refusal to provide services, death, bodily injury, damage to tangible property, violation of applicable law, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

What is the fair limitation of liability clause? ›

Example: "The Limitation of Liability clause shall equally apply to both parties, and neither party shall be held liable for consequential damages." This clause demonstrates fairness by ensuring that both TechCo and DevTech are subject to the same limitations, and it excludes consequential damages for both parties.

What is a limitation of liability in a software license? ›

Limitation of Liability: This clause limits the licensor's liability in the event of any damages arising from the use of the software. It often caps the monetary amount of damages and excludes certain types of damages, such as consequential or incidental damages.

What if there is no limitation of liability clause? ›

If there is no limitation of liability clause, the party responsible for the breach is responsible for compensating for any reasonably foreseeable damages that it causes to the other party.

What is a limitation of liability clause in negotiation? ›

One of the most common and effective ways to negotiate a limitation of liability clause is to use a proportional approach, which means that the liability cap is based on a multiple of the fees paid by the client for your services.

What is the difference between limitation of liability and indemnification clause? ›

The indemnitor promises to defend certain types of lawsuits against the other party (indemnified claims) and to pay settlements and/or judgments. That's an obligation to perform under the contract. And limit of liability terms restrict liability for breach — for damages — not obligations to perform.

What are the limitations of the liability sample clause? ›

In no event shall any party to this Agreement be liable to any other party for any lost profits or special, exemplary, consequential or punitive damages, even if informed of the possibility of such damages.

What is the limitation of liability clause for architects? ›

Limitations of Liability Limitations of liability clauses are one way to apportion risk in a contract between an architect and an owner. The reason that an architect may want this clause in a contract is to allocate the potential risk that the architect is willing to accept for the fee that he or she has been paid.

What is the limitation of liability clause in project management? ›

The amount of the limitation of liability must be meaningful, and must take into account the potential damages that could arise from the project. That said, any limitation is better than none. A low LOL encourages dialogue even if it is ultimately unenforceable.

What is the limitation of liability coverage? ›

Liability limits are the maximum dollar amount of damages (“indemnity”) an insurance carrier will pay on your behalf. Limits are broken down into two categories: the per claim limit and the aggregate limit.

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