You Ought to Add This...

Or at least seriously consider adding this, or something similar, to your declaration. The language below was recently upheld by the Georgia Supreme Court, which upheld the provision in protecting an association from a lawsuit filed by an owner.

The Declaration provided, in pertinent part:

From the time that the common area, or any portion thereof, is opened and put into use for the enjoyment of parcel owners, owner [developer] shall be and remain wholly free and clear of any and all liability to, or claims by, all parcel owners, and all persons and entities, of whatever kind or character, whether sounding in contract or tort, deriving from the occurrence of any injury or damage to any person or property on, or in respect of the use and operation of, the common area or any of its improvements, fixtures, and facilities; inasmuch as the control, operation, management, use and enjoyment, of the common area shall be within, under, and subject to the Association – and not owner [developer]. In this respect, it shall be the affirmative duty and responsibility of each parcel owner, and user of the common area facilities to continuously inspect the same for any defects or perils or other unsafe conditions or circumstances, prior to and during such use or enjoyment thereof; and all users of, and visitors to, the common area and its improvements and facilities shall use, enjoy, and visit, the same at their own risk and peril.

The Association successfully defended against a number of challenges to the language, ultimately succeeding in obtaining a dismissal of the Unit Owner's personal injury suit.