Indemnity in Business Contracts

Indemnity is defined as "a duty to make good any loss, damage, or liability incurred by another" (Black's Law Dictionary). The term comes from a late Middle English word meaning "unhurt, free from loss." The principles described in the terms "indemnity" and "indemnify" are interrelated so these terms are defined and explained together.

Indemnify and Indemnification

To indemnify someone is to absolve that person from responsibility for damage or loss arising from a transaction. Indemnification is the act of not being held liable for or being protected from harm, loss, or damages, by shifting the liability to another party. Both terms relate to liability, specifically being sued for one's actions. 

Variations in Meaning of Indemnity

Indemnity also includes an understanding that an injured party has a right to claim reimbursement or compensation for a loss or damage from the person who has the duty. This concept is seen often in civil lawsuits relating to negligence claims. 

Indemnity refers in some contexts as compensation for loss or damage from the actions of another party. 

Indemnity can also refer to a legal exemption from loss or damages, as in the case of an indemnity clause in a contract, in which one party agrees to take the liability for loss or damage from another party. In this case, indemnity has the general meaning of "hold harmless."

Indemnity and Insurance

One of the best examples of indemnity is insurance, which an insurance company indemnifies a property owner from losses or damage to that property. The business owner basically transfers the risk of having to pay for negligence to the insurance company. 

In another example, business owners may buy indemnity insurance for professional liability. Indemnity insurance can protect freelance writers.

No Indemnity for Illegal Activities

A person can attempt to be indemnified (held harmless) for doing their duty or acting within the scope of their job. But indemnity doesn't carry over into illegal acts, like theft, harassment, and fraud.

Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreements and State Laws

An indemnity agreement is sometimes called a hold harmless agreement because it is an attempt to make sure that one party does not attempt to sue another party for negligence.

At present, 42 states have some kind of state laws that limit the inclusion of indemnity clauses or agreements. Even where these clauses are not restricted, courts have held that indemnity clauses must be expressed in "clear and unequivocal terms" (Maine) or, "very clearly intended" (Nevada). 

Indemnity and Contracts

Indemnity usually arises in contracts, either as a separate indemnity agreement or as an indemnity clause in a contract. This language is included in cases where there is a possibility of loss or damage to one party during the term of, or arising from the circumstances of, the contract. The right to indemnity and the duty to indemnify ordinarily stem from a contractual agreement, which generally protects against liability, loss, or damage. 

For example, indemnity clauses or agreements in construction contracts are an attempt to protect the contractor from lawsuits and losses due to negligence.

Examples of Indemnity Clauses in Contracts

 Example 1: Here is an example of a simple indemnity clause in a contract:

"I hereby release, acquit and discharge [company] and its agents and employees from any liability arising from any circumstance including the negligence of [company] or its employees.

Example 2: Many states include an indemnity clause in the template for articles of incorporation (the document used to register a corporation with a state). These standard indemnity clauses seek to protect the corporation's directors, executives, employees, and agents. A sample indemnity clause might state: 

The Board of Directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation will be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation and its shareholders against any claim...arising out of the individual's participation in the affairs of the Corporation.

But a typical indemnity clause may also state that these individuals aren't entitled to indemnity for liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach by the individual of any provisions of the agreement.