Good samaritan law

[Gjowers]

Okay, one last point. I encounter the sentiments I see expressed above all the time. I've given it a lot of thought as to why these sentiments are so prevalent. I think one reason is an abundance of misinformation (even urban legends - see the stella awards on snopes.com).

But I think the most important reason is this: Most people have a very hard time identifying with the plaintiff. What I mean is most people identify more with the person being sued. They are afraid they're going to get sued. They see that as a plausible possibility. I think the reason people can't identify with the plaintiff is no one wants to believe that very bad things can happen to them. No one sees himself/herself as perhaps one day being in a similar situation. In my line of work I know that tragedy can happen to anyone.

[Seeker]

Interesting points of view. Thankfully, my only interactions with courts have been while serving in Jury Duty.

One of my hubby's best friends is a lawyer; thus I've heard many multitudes of stories after they were cleared. Another of my friends is a police officer; we hear many stories from him as well.

With regard to medical malpractices; I want to believe that people who are trying to help another person, should not fear for being sued. I'd like to think that doctors are not turning away people who need help because they cannot guarantee a "successful" outcome.

But I know that people will pursue dollars in whatever way they can. I do think that aside from accidents, clear cut cases of medical neglect are defined and warranted. I also see DS's point about time-loss and having to spend money to defend in unwarranted cases.

But the Nurse turning off a monitor that is expressing a problem with a human being is worrisome to me. Thankfully, no harm came of it, but I hope someone let the doctor know that that one action might have killed his patient. This doctor should have spoken with that nurse, and reiterated the ramifications of turning off a device and not listening to a valid concern about the patients declining BP. Hopefully then, the nurse would not repeat that practice of turning off a device meant to help.

I'd like to think that most lawyers are involved with criminal/civil cases and not pursuing the frivolous cases that are prevalent as well. I'd like to see more judges throw out the cases that shouldn't ever have gotten to the point of Jury Duty.

Our system is extremely complex. The fact that monies are involved does not lighten that burden. And it's also true that this country's system is fairer than most others.

Lawyers are seen as bad guys sometimes, but also as good guys. So are doctors, nurses, police, and all professionals of all kinds. We all try to do the best we can with anything that comes up.... but accidents happen, and neglect happens, and not listening or being busy with other duties happens. We're all human.

[Snave]

The problem I see with this is that had the good samaritan not helped and the car burst into flames or something like that, the co-worker would have tried to sue saying the person did nothing but stood there and watch them end up with burns on their body. That's what ticks me off with this.

[cptacek]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

The mistake (if there was one) doesn't sound like it was made by the doctor but rather by the recovery room nurse. When alerted by someone that the BP was low, turning off the monitor hardly seems like the appropriate response.

I agree with this. Surgery has complications...and my mom had a complication. It was turning off the monitor that blew me away.