The Duty to Rescue
While helping another person in distress is always a good deed, it is not generally required under common
law. However, there are eight US states – including Florida – that have decided to be exceptions to
this rule. Under Florida’s duty to care law, sometimes referred to as the Good Samaritan Act, people
have a responsibility to do what they can to help others in peril – even complete strangers.
If you have suffered injuries that were exacerbated by others’ failure to help, you could have grounds
for legal action. The Tampa personal injury attorneys of Beltz & Ruth, P.A. can explain your rights
and help you decide the steps to take next. To learn more, call our offices at 1-800-235-8978.
Clarifying the Good Samaritan Law
There is some confusion about the meaning of the phrase “Good Samaritan Act,” particularly in our state.
Our Good Samaritan Act is a law that grants legal immunity to people who act in good faith to help others
who have been injured. However, duty-to-rescue policies are also sometimes called “Good Samaritan” laws,
even though they are a separate legal issue.
A duty-to-rescue law requires individuals to either administer aid or contact emergency medical personnel
when they see another person in immediate danger. In every state, this duty applies to:
- Parents and other caretakers in regard to the children in their care
- Married couples (if a person sees his or her spouse in danger, he or she must take action)
- Emergency workers while on duty
Florida law takes this policy one step further by imposing this duty on all individuals in regard to
all other individuals. However, our duty-to-rescue legislation is complex, and not always enforced to
the same extent in all locations and situations. If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities
under this law, our Tampa duty to rescue lawyers can help.
Contact Us
If you have been harmed by another party’s failure to meet his or her legal obligations, you could be
able to win compensation for your related losses. Contact the Tampa personal injury lawyers of Beltz
& Ruth today at 1-800-235-8978.