A Good Samaritan who saved a child from a fifth Floor balcony fall may be regretting his good gesture now, as he has been ordered to pay $500, 000 in compensation to the child’s family.
25 year old Jason did what many will consider heroic, arriving in time below to catch the child after she accidentally slipped through the balcony railing and fell.
He had heard people screaming for help, and ran out to the porch below, desperately reaching out and successfully saving the child from heavy accident injury hitting the floor
And Jason immediately called 911 and continued comforting the child until paramedics arrived
Reports say the child suffered severe multiple fractures on both her legs and arms and was nearly unable to walk.
She had a successful surgery but doctors confirmed that the child would require a long recovery period
A few days later, a twist emerged in the story. The child mother sued Jason for $2m accusing him of reckless rescue behaviour. She claimed that improper way of catching the child caused the broken bones and argued that the child might have been cautioned by tree branches otherwise.
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Although Jason’s lawyer argued that the entire incident was an accident and that Jason acted in goodwill which should have been protected under Illinois Good Samaritan law, this did not seem to hold much water.
After several weeks of trial, the court dropped the criminal charges. However in a civil lawsuit, the court ruled that Jason held 30% responsibility and ordered him to pay $500, 000 to the child’s family.
The matter has been triggering divergent reactions ever since, with many wondering whether it has become bad to behave the good Samaritan, and indeed, whether the ruling would not discourage other good spirited individuals from reaching out next time someone is in need of their help.
What do you think personally?
transcribed from Ouuygg85
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
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