The New York Times Gets It Right
January 7, 2009
A few weeks back, I wrote a post about a California Supreme Court ruling that puts Good Samaritans on the hook for legal damages when they try to help someone in distress. Now, the New York Times has joined the chorus, with a strong editorial criticizing the decision. Money graph:
The implications of the ruling are disturbing. When people see an accident, the law should not discourage them from offering the best help they can. Now, however, Californians will have reason to hesitate. If they offer non-medical help – like pulling someone out of a burning house, or rescuing a drowning person – they may be putting their life savings at risk.