Help a co-worker in trouble? Maybe not after this ruling
December 29, 2008 by Fred HosierPosted in: Dubious decisions, Here comes the judge, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views
Hypothetical situation: Someone is trapped in a burning cubicle at work. Would co-workers try to save their fellow employee?
Workers in California may think twice now, after a recent state supreme court ruling.
Good Samaritans who try to rescue an accident victim can be sued for damages, according to a 4-3 opinion from the court.
The state’s shield against liability for emergency help applies only to people providing medical assistance.
Lisa Torti pulled her co-worker and friend, Alexandra Van Horn, from a wrecked car and in the process allegedly injured the woman, leaving her permanently paralyzed.
Torti said she’d seen smoke and thought the car was about to explode. She pulled Van Horn out of the car just before emergency crews arrived.
Now, Van Horn’s lawsuit against Torti can go to trial.
Tags: California, Good Samaritan, lawsuit
December 31st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
It sure is a shame that someone who has the guts to put thier life on the line to safe a friend, co-worker from potential death has the possibility to be disgraced. Did anyone ever think that the on in the accident may already have been injured and paralyzed due to the accident?? Did it or will it ever occur to Van Horn that her life is worth someone making a sacrifice that could have cost them thier life? Apparently not I realize that maybe being paralyzed will change the rest of her life, however her family still has her around to love and hold, if Ms. Torti left her there and the vehicle caught fire and resulted in Ms. Van Horn’s death her family may not have ever forgave anyone who stood by and watched her die.
I know working in profession I do I will never think twice if a fellow staff member was in a life or death situation I would help them no matter the cost…That’s what fellow Law Enforcement people do. To bad we have become a sue happy society just to make money. God Bless you Ms. Torti for doing a heroic act and if I am ever in your presence and need your assistance you are there for me no matter the cost to my life. Thank you.