Disclaimers are common on websites and can be general or specific depending on the information provided. They protect businesses from liability and encourage people to seek professional advice. However, relying solely on internet information can be dangerous and individuals should always seek expert help. Some professionals, such as doctors, cannot issue disclaimers as they are held accountable for their advice.
A disclaimer notice is a common feature on websites and can be used by businesses offline or in other places. This is a statement that the person/company providing any type of information cannot be held responsible in any way. It’s easy to see why these disclaimers occur so often on websites. Numerous sites provide a lot of information, but those reputable and those who want to avoid lawsuits make it clear that this information is general and cannot replace professional advice that would suit the individual’s circumstances.
Examples of the advice disclaimer abound, and they can be general or specific depending on the types of information a business or website provides. Any website that specializes in providing medical supplies would not only issue an advisory disclaimer, but they may advise people to see a doctor. Legal sites may tell their clients to speak to an attorney who specializes in the person’s specific legal concerns. Some companies also try to avoid liability if a person gets a lawyer’s name from them. Nolo Press® has an extensive disclaimer stating that they do not accept money for lawyers who may advertise with them and each client must determine, based on their own circumstances, whether a lawyer seems suitable for the job or advice needed.
At wiseGEEK, the issue of advice disclaimer is also taken seriously. At the bottom of each page of the wiseGEEK article is a series of clickable links. One of them is titled “terms”. By clicking on this link you access a disclaimer stating that wiseGEEK content is not a substitute for professional advice.
While most people aren’t likely to sue for poor advice that’s really only meant as general information, it’s still a real concern. While companies using an advisory disclaimer are protecting their finances, these statements can also protect the people who use their services. Unfortunately, there is a growing concern that people are relying on information, especially from the internet, instead of getting expert help or advice when they need it.
Things like medical self-diagnosis or self-defense in legal matters are potentially dangerous and harmful to individuals. Reorienting people towards personal help when needed has a certain altruism and reflects a desire to protect others. It’s not that gathering information is wrong; it’s simply that the information is usually written for a general audience and should always be vetted by an expert.
There are some companies that cannot issue a disclaimer notice. A real doctor who treats patients in an office is held accountable for the advice he gives to clients. Any doctor who has only treated patients who would absolve him of responsibility is not very reliable. Most experts have to back up their views when communicating them to individuals. On the other hand, a physician blogging online may be able to use a counseling disclaimer because her blog discusses issues generally rather than specifically.
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