Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Volunteer Protection Laws

Filed Under » , ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Volunteer Protection Laws'

Federal and state legislation that shields individuals, nonprofit organizations and government entities engaged in volunteer service against liability for harm caused by acts or omissions. Volunteer protection laws were enacted to protect volunteers from being sued, thereby encouraging volunteerism. The laws also protect volunteers from being forced to pay punitive damages. They are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Volunteer Protection Laws'

The laws do not protect volunteers who willfully cause harm. They also do not protect volunteers who act outside of their assigned duties, who provide services for which they are not qualified or who cause harm while operating a motor vehicle. Moreover, volunteer protection laws do not protect a nonprofit organization's directors, officers or employees since as these individuals are paid, the law does not consider them volunteers. Nonprofit organizations can compensate for the gaps in these laws by purchasing insurance.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    Cover Your Company With Liability Insurance

    Every business is susceptible to legal action. Find out how to protect yours.

  2. Are The Volunteer Corps Right For You?

    The Peace Corps and AmeriCorps offer low pay, but they offer higher benefits down the road.

  3. It Is Better To Give AND Receive

    You give to benefit others, but there can be perks for you too.

  4. Filling The Gaps In General Liability Insurance

    Standard liability coverage may not be enough. Special needs call for specialized policies.

  5. The Path To Becoming A CEO

    Think you have what it takes to be chief executive? Find out what those at the top have in common.

  6. 5 Signs It's Time To Retire

    Leaving the workforce isn't always an easy decision. Are you ready to take the leap?

  7. Wall Street’s Glass Ceiling

    It’s tough to boast that there are more female CEOs than ever before when they make up only 4.2% of the total.

  8. Is Lululemon's Chief Product Officer to Blame For Sheer Debacle?

    Lululemon announced April 3 that Chief Product Officer Sheree Waterson was leaving the company as of April 15. Assigning blame might appease the board, but it shouldn't do anything for investors.

  9. Schulze Plus Joly Equals Success?

    Best Buy founder Richard Schulze announced March 25 that he was dropping his bid for the company and rejoining the board as Chairman Emeritus. Two other former board members are rejoining as ...

  10. Is it Time To See Through Lululemon?

    Lululemon has pulled 17% of its women's bottoms due to a quality problem. It turns out that its latest batch of black luon yoga pants, which combine Lycra spandex with nylon, were virtually see ...
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.

  2. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.

  3. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.

  4. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.

  5. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.

  6. Consequential Loss

    The amount of loss incurred as a result of being unable to use business property or equipment.
Trading Center