Can an exculpatory contract shield the skydiving school from a lawsuit by the spouse of a deceased resident due to a parachutist's negligence?

An exculpatory contract is designed to release one party from liability for negligence or other wrongful acts, often requiring the agreement of the participant aware of such risks. In this context, whether the skydiving school can be shielded by such a contract depends on the parties involved and the nature of the agreement.

The spouse of the deceased resident is generally not a party to the exculpatory contract, which is typically signed by the individual participating in the activity—in this case, the parachutist. Since the spouse did not sign the contract, they may not be bound by its terms, which were meant to protect the skydiving school from direct claims arising from the participant's actions. This provides a legal basis for the spouse's ability to file a lawsuit against the school, challenging the effectiveness of the exculpatory contract in this specific situation.

The other options do not adequately address the legal principles surrounding exculpatory agreements and party status. Thus, the assertive conclusion that the resident spouse is not a party to the contract aligns with the legal standards governing liability releases.