A housekeeping service is asking me to sign a waiver that seems to say I promise never to sue them.  It's in legalese and I'm not sure that's what it says.  Anyway, it  seems unreasonable to me, if that is what it says.  Any thoughts or advice?

I don't really agree with this method either. I had to sign one of these at my previous university. Basically it gives them the liberty to do whatever they want to you if they want to.

You are in a dilemma because if you don't sign it then they probably will not hire you.

You should consider how much you really need the job. If it is all you can find and you really need it then sign it.

You could take this job, and start looking for another job ASAP. This could just be a stepping stone for you. I wouldn't stick around at a job that makes you sign ridiculous docuмents like that. You certainly should not trust the situation.

Just take the job then start looking for another job ASAP. As soon as you find another job then leave that job. If someone asked me to sign something like that then they would be getting off on the wrong foot with me.

Ask a lawyer.

Strike through the questionable wording and initial beside it. Then, sign the form. If the person collecting the paperwork is an average level salesman or something, they'll probably accept it without question. They probably want your business enough to accept a signed contract even if it's been edited.

If not, I'd look for another company.

A contract saying you'd agree to arbitration seems fair enough to me. Outright eliminating your right to file against them is too much.

Actually a lot of people sign away, or simply click a box (terms and conditions) their right to sue. Many large companies and the list is growing to force arbitration when problems arise. Arbitration usually ends favorably with the companies that use it.

Many times they retain their right to sue you.

Here's a list of companies and short description of their terms. You're almost certainly using a few of them.

http://www.citizen.org/rigged-justice-rogues-gallery

Thanks, that's all very helpful.  Can anyone confirm or deny that the waiver says what I think it does?  I don't know if it's worth asking a lawyer yet.

Actually a lot of people sign away, or simply click a box (terms and conditions) their right to sue. Many large companies and the list is growing to force arbitration when problems arise. Arbitration usually ends favorably with the companies that use it.

Many times they retain their right to sue you.

Here's a list of companies and short description of their terms. You're almost certainly using a few of them.

http://www.citizen.org/rigged-justice-rogues-gallery

Thanks for this, Ursus.  It's all depressing, but the nursing homes have potential nightmare scenarios.

Marie Catherine, does your agency do thorough criminal background checks?

I'd be a client, not an employee.  I emailed them asking for clarification and they didn't really clarify.  I'll have to press them, I guess.  It goes like this (the bold part is what I'm wary of):

Quote

Know all men, by these presents, that I (my name) for and in consideration of being part of the (program) hereby undertake to be present on my property when services arranged are performed and to hereby remise, release and forever discharge (the company) and their respective agents and employees of and from all manner of action, causes of action, suits, debts, dues, accounts, bonds, covenants, contacts, claims and demands whatsoever, against the said (company) their respective agents, employees and any students and adults referred to me by the way of (the company).

Slam the door in their faces.

Here is another thing to consider, your homeowners insurance. I will bet that your policy states that the company can request that you sue to get money back on things covered on your policy. That would include theft or injury that occurs on your property.

Now consider this, the dumb maid falls down the stairs and claims she cannot work for the rest of her dumb life because she is now in a wheelchair and on a breathing apparatus for life. She sues you for lifetime support the medical bills plus the traditional 4x the amount of medical bills and ironically, for a maid for herself since it is now very painful for her to even bend her little finger. She tripped over your French poodle while it was biting her ankle at the top of the stairs. This is not cost you hundreds of dollars, not thousands or hundreds of thousands, but MILLIONS of dollars !!!

Now maybe your insurance provider says you voided your policy by agreeing not to sue under the terms... since the policy requires you to sue to limit their liability.

I am not an attorney and do not know if this is true, but check it out with your insurance agent.