Posted on 03/11/2014 6:49:29 PM PDT by lowbridge
In America’s increasingly litigious culture, it is truer than ever that no good deed goes unpunished. The first responders who risked their lives saving a man trapped in his sinking car last year learned this lesson when they received notice that they could face a lawsuit stemming from their heroic act.
Last September, as Roy Ortiz drove to work in Boulder County, Colo., he reportedly lost control of his vehicle on a flooded road and ended up in a nearby creek. While he survived for two hours by using a tiny air pocket within the car, he would not have lived much longer without the decisive actions of individuals who pulled him to safety.
(Excerpt) Read more at westernjournalism.com ...
That is why I was somewhat hesitant in my response.
As a former police officer and certified Paramedic, we (in my state and city) were often reminded that we were subject to all the malpractice laws that other medical professionals were subject to.
Fortunately, our malpractice insurance was covered by the city.
“I saved your life!”
“No! You ruined my death!!!”
Lucius: You tell me where my suit is, woman! We are talking about the greater good!
Honey: ‘Greater good?’ I am your wife! I’m the greatest *good* you are ever gonna get!
I am a registered nurse and still covered by Good Samaritan Laws, however I still have my own insurance policy for these type of A-holes.
I say allow the heroes to take him back and drown him. THEN let him try to sue.
This could only happen in a comparative negligence state.
so stick his ass back in the car and toss him in the creek.
He’s the one that put his sorry ass there in the first place.
I know, the roads flooded.. lets go for a drive!
Personal responsibility is about as rare as common sense these days.
You don’t suppose this was his plan all along. He drove into the river intentionally to wait his rescue, and then sue? I suggest someone water board this bastard to find out if it is true.
Yet another case to show the need for loser pays.
Well, from what little I know about emergency medical situations, I know not to move a person in an accident (specifically, a car-related accident) UNLESS:
0. There is NO ONE more qualified nearby
1. They are awake can move their fingers and toes
or
1a. The car is on fire and the gas tank is about to explode/the entire car is about to go over a cliff/under the water.
I applaud your knowledge of first responder care taking, however, I would suggest you take a course in first aid/ cpr from either the Red Cross or some other certified organization to make sure your knowledge if complete.
It’s Boulder, what do you expect?!
In the future, first responders would be wise to ignore Roy Ortiz and his lawyer’s needs for help.
Some attorneys should simply be disbarred!
I recall during a first aid course years ago that there was some legislation that prevented just such lawsuits in the case of offering aid. This was in Canada so maybe it’s different in the US or varies from state to state.Good Samaritan laws. They do vary from state to state. A lot of states don't have them. But they don't apply to professionals, just to amateurs.
Loser pays all costs involved.
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