What is the purpose of the "Firefighter's Rule"?

The purpose of the "Firefighter's Rule" is primarily to limit recovery for injuries incurred by emergency responders while they are performing their official duties. This rule is grounded in the rationale that individuals who choose to take on the risks associated with dangerous occupations, such as firefighters and police officers, should not be able to recover damages from those whose conduct contributed to the emergencies they are responding to. The underlying principle emphasizes that emergency responders are expected to deal with the hazards inherent to their roles, and as such, they may not hold individuals liable for injuries that arise from those risks.

In this context, the rule serves to maintain a balance between allowing emergency responders to fulfill their critical duties without the deterrent of potential lawsuits for injuries that are part of their job. This prevents the chilling effect that could arise if responders frequently sought damages, thereby allowing them to focus on their life-saving responsibilities rather than the complexities of litigation.