Injured While Saving Someone in Rochester?

 Here’s the Truth About Your Rights

You didn’t think twice. Someone needed help, and you jumped in. But now, you’re the one hurting. Maybe you got hit by a car pulling someone out of traffic. Maybe you suffered burns saving a child from a fire. Or maybe you stopped a robbery and got injured in the process. Whatever the situation, you're left wondering—who's going to help you now? Horn Wright, LLP, has helped countless injured rescuers like you get the compensation they deserve. Personal injury attorneys can help you figure out your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Rescue Gone Wrong: Can You Get Financial Help After Getting Hurt?

The Shocking Costs of Being a Hero

Being a hero shouldn't come with a massive price tag, but for many, it does. The medical bills alone can be brutal. ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, it all adds up fast. Then there’s lost income. If you can’t work because of your injuries, how do you keep up with rent, groceries, or childcare? It’s not just about money, either. The emotional toll of getting hurt while trying to help someone can be overwhelming. You did the right thing, so why does it feel like you’re being punished for it?

Does the Law Value Your Bravery?

New York’s laws recognize Good Samaritans like you, at least in theory. The state has protections in place to shield you from lawsuits if something goes wrong while you’re helping someone. But here’s the kicker: those laws don’t always guarantee you’ll get financial support for your own injuries. Personal injury attorneys understand these legal gaps and can help you explore ways to recover damages. You can learn more about New York’s Good Samaritan laws here. So where does that leave you?

The Harsh Reality of Rochester’s “Good Samaritan” Laws

When These Laws Work in Your Favor

Good Samaritan laws are supposed to protect people who step up in emergencies. In New York, they prevent you from getting sued if you accidentally injure someone while trying to help. Let’s say you give CPR to an unconscious person, and in the process, you crack a rib. The law has your back—you won’t be held liable.

Where the Legal Gray Areas Leave You Vulnerable

But what about when you’re the one who gets hurt? That’s where things get tricky. The law may protect you from lawsuits, but it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get compensation for your own medical bills or lost wages. Unless someone else’s negligence played a role in your injuries, you could be left footing the bill on your own.

Legal Loopholes: Who Actually Covers Your Medical Bills?

Why Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Paying

Here’s a hard truth: insurance companies don’t like paying out claims, and they’ll use every excuse in the book to deny yours. If you got hurt while rescuing someone, they might argue that your actions were voluntary, meaning they’re not obligated to cover your injuries. Even worse? If the person you saved doesn’t have insurance, you might have zero financial recourse. Personal injury attorneys can analyze your situation and help determine if there are other sources of compensation.

What Options Do You Have if Insurance Fails?

If insurance refuses to step up, you might have to get creative. Depending on how you got hurt, you could have other legal options:

• Personal injury claims – If someone else’s negligence contributed to the emergency, you might be able to file a lawsuit.
• Victim compensation funds – If you were injured stopping a crime, you could qualify for state-funded compensation.
• Employer benefits – If you were hurt while on the job (like a security guard or off-duty first responder), you might be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Crime Fighters Beware: What If You Were Injured Stopping a Criminal?

Can You Sue the Attacker for Damages?

You stopped a crime, but now you’re the one dealing with the consequences. Can you sue the person who hurt you? Absolutely. You have every right to take legal action against the attacker for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. But here’s the challenge—many criminals don’t have the money to pay out settlements. Even if you win your case, collecting that money can be an uphill battle.

Does the City Compensate Injured Crime Preventers?

New York State does offer some compensation for people who get hurt while stopping a crime, but it’s not a guarantee. Programs like the New York State Crime Victims Compensation Fund might help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses—but only if you meet strict eligibility requirements. You’ll need to prove that you were injured while trying to prevent a crime or assist law enforcement, and you have to file your claim quickly.

From Devastation to Compensation: Real Stories of Rescuers Who Won

Key Cases Where Injured Rescuers Won Big

Some Good Samaritans have successfully fought for compensation after getting hurt. Here’s what made their cases stand out:

• A firefighter off duty saved a drowning child but broke his leg in the process. He successfully argued that the city was responsible for maintaining the hazardous area where the accident happened.
• A woman intervened in a violent mugging and was injured. She was able to secure compensation through the state’s victim compensation fund because she acted in the interest of public safety.
• A bystander was hit by a car while rescuing an injured pedestrian. A lawsuit proved that the driver who caused the original accident was responsible, leading to a settlement that covered all medical expenses.

What Made the Difference in Their Cases?

Winning a case like this isn’t easy, but here’s what helped these rescuers get the compensation they deserved:

• Strong evidence – Video footage, eyewitness statements, and official reports made it clear they acted responsibly and bravely.
• Legal strategy – Their attorneys knew how to frame their cases, proving liability and identifying sources of compensation.
• Understanding the law – They took advantage of every legal avenue, from personal injury claims to crime victim funds.

Don't Let Your Heroism Cost You Everything—Fight for What You Deserve

At Horn Wright, LLP, we believe heroes like you shouldn’t be left struggling after stepping up to help. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized as one of the best law firms in America. 

Our experienced personal injury attorneys know the ins and outs of New York’s laws and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t go through this alone—reach out today, and let’s talk about your options.