California Supreme Court allows good Samaritans to be sued for nonmedical care

Los Angeles Times ^ | December 19, 2008 | Carol J. Williams

[FoxInSocks]

Sounds like an interesting case.

[domenad]

I would refer to this ruling as the “Let them burn” ruling.

[doodad]

I just thought the same. Oh well, guess you will then get sued for not rendering aid.

[Sans-Culotte]

I would refer to this ruling as the “Let them burn” ruling.

Yep. Sums it up pretty well.

[Dallas59]

I guess in CA it’s best just to stare.

[OneWingedShark]

>Sounds like an interesting case.

Indeed so.

[reaganaut1]

The divided high court appeared to signal that rescue efforts are the responsibility of trained professionals.

If there are no "trained professionals" around, are you supposed to leave the person in a burning building or car? That would be consistent with a general view that people cannot do things for themselves unless properly credentialed by the government.

[Always Right]

No good deed goes unpunished. If Obama does not destroy this country, lawyers will.

[kbennkc]

Couple this with a well intentioned criminal provision for failure to render aid , and lawyers kids will have college tuition for the next 20 years .

[MaestroLC]

Ditto. Don't help people from now. Let them eat cake.

Thanks again, CA courts.

[Cicero]

Sounds like a bunch of drunken idiots. Also, it sounds as if the only winners will, as usual, be the tort lawyers. Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.

[Always Right]

That would be consistent with a general view that people cannot do things for themselves unless properly credentialed by the government.

Yep, pretty soon we may need a licence to pee.

[Caipirabob]

In the early 90's I pulled a girl from a car she flipped along the road I was jogging on. When I broke the window to get in, there was about a 6 pack of open beers on the ceiling all over. I got her out, she was staggering some, and then decided to leave before the cops pulled up. Didn't want to be part of that scene, but I couldn't leave her to burn either...

[Howie66]

Well, then I guess that takes care of US being asked to “bail out” the Granola State, then.

Cool beans!

[rightinthemiddle]

Liberal courts think the right to sue is more important than the right to life.

[JudgemAll]

Next time we see a lawyer burning, throw gasoline on him, no matter how little’s burning.

[rineaux]

I would think “staring” would constitute not administering aid. Maybe best to run from an accident witnessed and pray no one saw you. Otherwise you could be sued.

Guess you could be “bent” in either situation.

[sheik yerbouty]

The formalization of “No good deed goes unpunished”..

[anniegetyourgun]

Perhaps you have to get the endangered individual to sign a release before you help them.

[NormsRevenge]

from AP thread yesterday

Calif. Court: Would-be Good Samaritan can be sued
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2151214/posts