SF3688

Purpose

• To create a new civil remedy for people who are injured when someone fails to render aid in certain situations. The bill would let an injured person sue the responsible party to recover damages.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.662.
• Establishes a civil action: a person who is injured by a violation of subdivision 2 paragraph 1.8 or subdivision 3 paragraph a may bring a civil action to recover damages.
• In addition to damages, the action allows recovery of costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney fees.
• The civil action is triggered specifically by violations of the referenced parts of the statute (subdivision 2 paragraph 1.8 or subdivision 3 paragraph a).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a private civil remedy for failures to render aid under the identified portions of section 609.662.
• Expands enforcement options from potential criminal provisions to include civil damages and recoverable legal costs and attorney fees for the injured party.

Practical Impact (summary)

• Individuals injured due to someone’s failure to render aid in the specified circumstances would have a new pathway to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit, including recovery of legal costs.

Relevant Terms - civil action - damages - costs and disbursements - reasonable attorney fees - failure to render aid - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - section 609.662 - subdivision - subdivision 2 paragraph 1.8 - subdivision 3 paragraph a - injured - violation