Officious intermeddler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An officious intermeddler is a person who voluntarily, and without request or pre-existing legal duty, interjects themself into the affairs of another, and then seeks remuneration for services or reimbursement.[1] Example: Person A leaves for vacation for two weeks during the summer. Person B mows A's lawn. B requests payment for this service. Under common law doctrine, B is not entitled to any payment from A beyond whatever A cares to give. If B tries to coerce payment, B is an officious intermeddler.
An exception to this rule, however, is if a doctor gives medical treatment to an unconscious victim. Although the unconscious person did not request the doctor's services, a court may deem it reasonable for the doctor to presume that such services would be desired by the person, had they been conscious.
