Dear Eric: Regarding the letter writer who was giving a $100 gift card for patching up the injured friend of her daughter (“Mom of a Wild Child”).

I was taught during Community Emergency Response Training that bystanders are protected under Good Samaritan laws if we voluntarily provide emergency assistance to others – they cannot be sued for anything they do or attempt to do.

However, the Good Samaritan cannot accept any compensation whatsoever to be covered by the law. We were told not to accept a stick of gum or a nickel for our help, or we could potentially be sued for damages. I doubt this person would be sued by the grateful mom, but it is possible.

The $100 gift card should be returned.

– Good Samaritan

Dear Good Samaritan: Thank you for this insight. It will definitely help in

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