What characterizes assumption of risk in legal terms?

The concept of assumption of risk is characterized by the idea that a plaintiff voluntarily engages in an activity that carries inherent risks. This means that they are aware of and accept the dangers associated with that activity. The core principle is rooted in the voluntary nature of the person's participation; they consciously decide to take on the risks involved, which can significantly limit or negate a defendant's liability in a legal dispute.

In this legal framework, the emphasis is on the plaintiff's awareness of the risks, rather than on any necessity for a waiver or a signed agreement. While such documents might strengthen a defendant's position, they are not prerequisites for establishing an assumption of risk. Therefore, it is the action of willingly engaging in an activity, despite knowing its potential hazards, that fundamentally characterizes this doctrine.