1. The Common Law Rule
We have a duty to avoid harming others, but we have no duty to rescue others from hazards that we do not ourselves create. However, this has always had many important exceptions.

2. Ten States Differ from Common Law
Require people to notify authorities or seek aid for strangers in peril if does not endanger selves .
California
Ohio
Florida
Rhode Island
Hawaii
Vermont
Massachusetts
Washington
Minnesota
Wisconsin

3. Sources of Legal Duties
Statute Family Relationship Professional Relationship (fiduciaries) Contract to Provide Care Assumption of Care isolating a person Creation of Peril Duty to Control Another’s Conduct Duty of a Landowner/Dog Owner

4. Professional Relationships (fiduciaries)
Individuals whose greater expertise also creates special obligations because of trust which clients place in them Doctors Lawyers Financial Advisors Accountants Psychotherapists Clerics