Rescue Doctrine

Pronunciation: RES-kyoo DOK-trin

Torts › Duty of Care

Definition

One who negligently creates danger owes duty of care to rescuers who attempt to save persons or property imperiled by the defendant's negligence. Rescuer's response must be reasonable and foreseeable. Danger invites rescue - rescuers are foreseeable plaintiffs.

Related terms

• Duty of Care — A legal obligation to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. The duty of care is…
• Proximate Cause — A limitation on liability requiring that the harm suffered must be within the scope of risk created by…
• Assumption of Risk — A defense when plaintiff voluntarily encounters a known risk. Express assumption (contractual waiver) and implied assumption (conduct showing…

Go deeper

2 worked examples, 4 exceptions, landmark cases, flashcards, issue spotting and the interactive mind map for Rescue Doctrine are available with a free account.

Create a free account — the whole Torts subject is free.