Ian’s Legal Fact of the Week 11/11/19: Duty to Rescue

While common in Europe, only 3 US states have ‘duty to rescue’ laws, otherwise known colloquially as ‘bad Samaritan laws’, on the books. These laws, which exist in Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Vermont, make it a crime to not provide … Continue reading

Ian’s Legal Fact of the Week 10/9/18: Duty to Rescue Laws

While common in European countries, only 3 US states have ‘duty to rescue’ laws, otherwise known colloquially as ‘bad Samaritan laws’, on the books. These laws, which exist in Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Vermont, make it a crime to not provide reasonable assistance to … Continue reading

Ian’s Legal Fact of the Week 4/3/17: Good Samaritan Laws and Pets

Currently six states have ‘Good Samaritan hot car laws’, which protect people from liability for breaking into a locked car to rescue a pet that was left unattended. Typically these laws require a good faith belief that the animal was in danger, … Continue reading

Ian’s Legal Fact of the Week 10/14/13: Good Samaritan Laws

Good Samaritan laws, often confused with duty to rescue laws, provide immunity against tort claims for those who attempt to rescue someone in peril.  In general, however, these laws provide immunity if the peril was imminent, if the rescuer obtained consent, … Continue reading