(Redmond/Personal Injury) Rescue Attempts Gone Wrong
Magnuson Lowell Blog
Each week we post a blog about relevant legal issues. Glance through our various topics to learn more about a particular legal situation.
These articles are for limited informational purposes only and are not, nor are they intended to be, legal advice. You should not rely on this information for your case and should consult with an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
Most Recent Posts ...
Posted on: 4/15/2024
Posted on: 4/8/2024
Posted on: 4/1/2024
Posted on: 3/25/2024
Search All Blog Posts
Blog Post Archive Categories
- Options for Dealing with Real Estate in Your Washington State Divorce
- Mandatory Arbitration - A Great Choice for Small Car Accidents
- Does it Matter that I was Hurt Before My Car Accident?
- Parenting Limitations under RCW 26.09.191 in Washington State
- Navigating Child Custody: A Guide for Parents in Divorce
- Determining Child Support in Washington State
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) Time Matters for a DUI
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) Field Sobriety Tests - What Not to Do
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) - The (Redmond/Criminal Defense) - The Ability to Remain Silent
- Battling Father Time: Crafting Your Legacy with Precision
- Tips for Talking to Your Family About Your Estate Plan
- How to Choose Your Personal Representative for your Will
- Little Known Washington Driving Laws
- What`s the Deal with Prenuptial Agreements?
- What Happens If I`m Bit by a Dog in Washington?
- Divorce Timelines in Washington State
- Co-Parenting 101: Tips for Co-Parenting During a Divorce
- Navigating Infidelity and Divorce Proceedings
- Why Expediency is Important After Your Car Accident
- Understanding Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in Washington State
- It only takes 3 seconds...
- Gotta love our court system!
- (Redmond/Crazy Lawsuit) The Walking Dead: or Not!
- (Redmond/Crazy Lawsuit) Here Comes Football - and Litigation
- What is a Contingency Fee?
- Happy New Year 2024!
- Pedestrian & Bicyclist Accidents
- Top 10 Tips You Need To Know Before Getting On A Motorcycle
- Top 10 Tips Riders Need To Know Before Getting On A Motorcycle
- In a Car Collision...Now What?
(Redmond/Personal Injury) Rescue Attempts Gone Wrong
Time to use your imagination! You're a world renowned physician who has literally and figuratively written the book on airway restrictions and the Heimlich maneuver. During your lunch break, you notice a diner at the table next to you choking on his meal. Do you have a duty to come to his rescue? Surprisingly, in Washington, the answer is no. And, if you do, make sure you do so there is no Personal Injury lawsuit that follows.
Regardless of the ease of the rescue and your own abilities, this arguably insensitive rule allows our doctor friend to go about his meal without helping. As with everything in the law, the exceptions are key. If you have a duty to help, then you can be held liable for abstaining. For example, if you're a life guard on duty and you see someone drowning, you have the obligation to attempt a rescue. Similarly, if you begin a rescue, you have a duty to continue the rescue.
The reasoning behind this is easy to understand. For example, if you're just a regular beach-goer and you start swimming out to a drowning stranger you need to attempt to finish the job. By starting the rescue, the beach-goer has impliedly halted others from attempting to aid the drowning individual. The law wants to prevent this chilling effect and has memorialized this dilemma
In the vast majority of situations, you will not face civil liability for strolling by a distressed individual. On the contrary, your karma may take a hit. Personal Injury law can be confusing at times. If you have questions about your responsibilities feel free to call Magnuson Lowell.