i accidentally ran into my friend and gave them a concussion.  should
i offer to pay for the cost of my friend's medical treatments?

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Clarification of Question by jjj-ga on 21 Jan 2004 00:38 PST

thx for the advice.  we were horsing around.  the medical expense
isn't a substantial expense for either of us.

How did the accident happen? I think that that's the determining factor.

For example, did you run into him with your car? If so, yes, I think
you should pay his medical expenses.

Were you horsing around in one of your houses, apartments, or dorm
rooms? That's more iffy. If both of you were equally happy to play
around, he's as much to blame as you are, and I'd think you shouldn't
have to pay (though you could offer, just out of friendship). If he
were a reluctant participant, saying things like, "Hey, what are you
doing, cut it out!" or if he didn't even see it coming, then you
should pay.

Did it happen on an athletic field? If so, he should pay, assuming
that whatever happened was within the rules. But maybe you could offer
to help him during his recovery. You could cook or run errands for
him, for instance.

I'm not a lawyer, so this isn't legal advice. Could your friend sue
you? Sure. So if you think you're in danger of that, you should
consult an attorney.

If you could supply more details about the accident, you'd get better
advice, I think.

dtc

If your friend was concussed, he may not remember how the accident
happened, so better not to do anything that might imply that you
accept liability.

However, why don't you do something else for him ... just as an act of friendship?

hi,
Its very clear from your question that you are not at ease and
something is going on in your mind may be:
1)He/She may be your very near one?
2)You are worried that you are going to loose relationships after he is all right.
3)His family is going to go for legal activities for all this
happening without knowing who is the concerned person.
4)The accident is something which has to do something with yours and
the other persons moral values.
You decide if you are going to be caught after wards the best solution
is confess and admit it in avery impressive way such that it make
sense that all happened was an accident and you are paying because you
care, not that you want to normalise as your freind can also bear the
same expenses.
If you are not going to be caught just continue the same relationship
without willing to pay. As this will continue into usual relationship
you shared with that person.
Above all if your mind is restless just have confidence, go confess ,
pay the bills without informing anyone because mental peace is the
most important thing in this world.
Ok, all the best if you need further clarification get in touch.

Friendship is something that should be valued above material things
such as money.  Taking responsibility for your actions is the best way
to show your friend that you geniunely respect them.

If you have insurance that covers this sort of thing, then you've
already taken some steps in advance to limit your costs when mistakes
do occur, and hopefully it won't cost you anything.  Either way, you
should make sure your friend is taken care of properly, and hope they
would do the same for you if the situation was in reverse.

Remember:  Freedom comes with a price -- responsibility.