Legal Definitions - extraordinary care

Extraordinary care refers to a level of diligence and attention that goes significantly beyond what is considered ordinary, reasonable, or standard in a given situation. It implies a heightened duty to prevent harm or ensure safety, often required when dealing with highly dangerous activities, extremely vulnerable individuals, or situations with exceptionally high stakes. This level of care demands meticulous planning, rigorous execution, and constant vigilance to minimize risks that might otherwise be acceptable under normal circumstances.

Here are some examples illustrating extraordinary care:

• Example 1: Transporting Hazardous Materials

  A specialized logistics company is contracted to transport highly volatile chemical waste through a densely populated urban area. To demonstrate extraordinary care, the company implements measures far beyond standard freight transport. This includes using specially designed, reinforced containers with multiple safety redundancies, deploying a dedicated escort vehicle with emergency response personnel, pre-planning a route that avoids schools and hospitals, and continuously monitoring the cargo's condition and location using advanced telemetry. Drivers undergo extensive training specifically for hazardous materials, exceeding standard commercial licensing requirements.

  This illustrates extraordinary care because the inherent danger of the cargo and the potential for catastrophic harm to the public necessitate a level of precaution and vigilance far exceeding that for typical freight. The company's actions go above and beyond what would be considered reasonable for everyday transportation.

• Example 2: Care for Severely Vulnerable Patients

  A specialized medical facility cares for patients in a persistent vegetative state who are entirely dependent on life support and constant monitoring. The facility employs a nurse-to-patient ratio significantly higher than standard hospitals, utilizes redundant life support systems with automatic fail-safes, conducts hourly checks on vital signs and equipment, and has a dedicated emergency medical team on standby 24/7. Every staff member receives extensive training in critical care and emergency protocols specific to these patients.

  This demonstrates extraordinary care because the extreme vulnerability of the patients, who cannot communicate or care for themselves, imposes a duty of care that is exceptionally intensive and protective. The facility's measures are designed to anticipate and mitigate every conceivable risk, reflecting a commitment beyond standard medical practice.

• Example 3: Designing Critical Infrastructure

  An engineering firm is tasked with designing a new bridge that will span a major earthquake fault line and carry millions of commuters daily. The firm employs extraordinary care by not only adhering to all national building codes but also conducting extensive geological surveys, using advanced seismic modeling to simulate worst-case earthquake scenarios, incorporating multiple layers of redundant structural supports, and specifying materials with exceptional ductility and strength. They also commission independent expert reviews at every stage of the design process and implement a rigorous quality assurance program that goes beyond industry norms.

  This exemplifies extraordinary care because the high stakes—potential loss of life and massive economic disruption in the event of failure—demand a level of precision, foresight, and risk mitigation that far surpasses the ordinary standards for bridge construction. The engineers are expected to anticipate and design against highly improbable but catastrophic events.