What is the limitation on liability for direct damages under the Baymont Inn Suites agreement?
Baymont_Inn_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
IN ADDITION, EACH PARTY'S DIRECT DAMAGES (AND ANY INDIRECT DAMAGES TO THE EXTENT THAT A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION OR OTHER AUTHORITY DOES NOT RECOGNIZE OR ENFORCE THE WAIVER FROM LIABILITY SET FORTH IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THIS SECTION) SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE TOTAL FEES PAID BY YOU TO US DURING THE THEN CURRENT TERM OF THE AGREEMENT.
THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 97–443)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Baymont Inn Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the liability for direct damages is limited to the total fees paid by the franchisee to Baymont Inn Suites during the current term of the agreement. This limitation applies regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise.
This means that if a Baymont Inn Suites franchisee suffers direct damages as a result of a breach of contract or other wrongful act by Baymont Inn Suites, the franchisee's recovery is capped at the amount of fees they have paid to Baymont Inn Suites during the current term. This could be a significant limitation on the franchisee's ability to recover their losses, especially if the damages are substantial.
It's important to note that this limitation may not be enforced by a court of competent jurisdiction. In such cases, the waiver from liability set forth in the agreement may not be recognized or enforced, potentially allowing for a different outcome regarding damages.
Prospective Baymont Inn Suites franchisees should carefully consider this limitation of liability and consult with an attorney to understand its implications. They should also inquire about the types of fees that are included in the calculation of the total fees paid, as this could affect the amount of their potential recovery.