Liability as a web designer?

[ElPresidente408]

I'm doing some webdesign work for someone I know, however the nature of the website opens up some legal risks. There are disclaimers and such, but as the designer, am I vunerable to any legal action?

The webserver, domain, and service are listed/provided under his name.

[mendhak]

Moved to General Developer.

I'd think that it's the company/owner that's liable rather than you, but I'm no lawyer, simply a logician.

[techgnome]

If there's a contract, check for an indemnification clause, releasing you from any liability from any problems related to third parties using the site - if there isn't one, cancel the contract, or get something in writing, signed by both parties, that releases you, as the developer from any problems. If it were me, I'd probably walk away from the deal. But that's jsut me.

-tg

[Nightwalker83]

Basically, the only thing we as the designers would have to worry about is if we do a lousy job on the product or we don't deliver on what the client wants. Like techgnome suggests I would get the client to sign a contract between you and them stating the work that is is required and finishing agreed upon date, etc.

[Davadvice]

i would say that if you have to ask the question then it may not be worth doing.

There may also be a moral argument in what you are being asked to do. the limited info you have given can olny lead us to assume and i am just basing my statment on worst case. do you feel 100% Comfortable in what is being asked of you ?

thanks
David

[ElPresidente408]

Thanks for your replies

I can't really give too many details on it as I signed an NDA regarding the site. There aren't any moral concerns I have. Basically the issue is that the website is a group of people giving advice to others on a particular topic. It's not inconvievable that in an extreme circumstance a client could turn around and say "I followed your advice, and this happened. Now I'm filing a lawsuit". Even though they have written up disclaimers, I think it might be better to specifically release me in the contract as well.

[Davadvice]

yeah i would agree, these things in law could end up taking your gran children to court!!! as they say the law is an ass .