Liability with advice

Question

Although my question is specific to Super User, I feel it does affect all the sites.

People come to the forum for advice, some times the advice given is not ideal.

For example, suppose someone had a computer issue and I proposed a solution. In this contrived example, my advice was to get a more powerful PSU and do something which would affect the warranty of the machine, which in turn, fried the entire machine and wiped the data etc.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's up the individual to know what they're doing IMO, but the advice someone has received from these sites has caused the issue (in this case, a broken computer). This issue could affect all the sites (where one could give programming advice which has undesired results could lead to wasted money or un-scalable applications, for example).

Is anyone concerned about this? I haven't read the T&C and we know, most people don't. Coupled with, I don't understand most T&C's / disclaimers any way, but, are we (the individuals posting answers) covered by any disclaimer on behalf of the SO sites?

Answer 1

It looks like there is some liability protection here.

From the Stackexchange legal page:

To the fullest extent allowed by law, Stack Exchange disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, availability, completeness, legality or operability of the material or services provided on this Network. By using this Network, you acknowledge that Stack Exchange is not responsible or liable for any harm resulting from (1) use of the Network; (2) downloading information contained on the Network including but not limited to downloads of content posted by subscribers; (3) unauthorized disclosure of images, information or data that results from the upload, download or storage of content posted by subscribers; (4) the temporary or permanent inability to access or retrieve any Subscriber Content from the Network, including, without limitation, harm caused by viruses, worms, trojan horses, or any similar contamination or destructive program.

Also:

In no event shall Stack Exchange, its directors, officers, shareholders, employees or members be liable with respect to the Network or the Services for (a) any indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever; (b) damages for loss of use, profits, data, images, Subscriber Content or other intangibles; (c) damages for unauthorized use, non-performance of the Network, errors or omissions; or (d) damages related to downloading or posting Content. Stack Exchange's and the Network's collective liability under this agreement shall be limited to three hundred United States Dollars. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to Subscriber.

Answer 2

I think we're covered by the Terms of Service. See section 9. Limitation of liability (emphasis added):

In no event shall Stack Exchange, its directors, officers, shareholders, employees or members be liable with respect to the Network or the Services for (a) any indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever; (b) damages for loss of use, profits, data, images, Subscriber Content or other intangibles; (c) damages for unauthorized use, non-performance of the Network, errors or omissions; or (d) damages related to downloading or posting Content. Stack Exchange's and the Network's collective liability under this agreement shall be limited to three hundred United States Dollars. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to Subscriber.