Desmond fell while attempting to climb a mountain, and lay unconscious and critically injured on a ledge that was difficult to reach. Pearson, an experienced mountain climber, was himself seriously injured while trying to rescue Desmond. Pearson's rescue attempt failed, and Desmond died of his injuries before he could be reached. Pearson brought an action against Desmond's estate for compensation for his injuries. In this jurisdiction, the traditional common-law rules relating to contributory negligence and assumption of risk remain in effect. Will Pearson prevail in his action against Desmond's estate? 
Yes, if his rescue attempt was reasonable.  Yes, because the law should not discourage attempts to assist persons in helpless peril.  No, unless Desmond's peril arose from his own failure to exercise reasonable care.  No, because Pearson's rescue attempt failed and therefore did not benefit Desmond. 
Question: Desmond fell while attempting to climb a mountain, and lay unconscious and critically injured on a ledge that was difficult to reach. Pearson, an experienced mountain climber, was himself seriously injured while trying to rescue Desmond. Pearson's rescue attempt failed, and Desmond died of his injuries before he could be reached. Pearson brought an action against Desmond's estate for compensation for his injuries. In this jurisdiction, the traditional common-law rules relating to contributory negligence and assumption of risk remain in effect. Will Pearson prevail in his action against Desmond's estate? 
A. Yes, if his rescue attempt was reasonable. 
B. Yes, because the law should not discourage attempts to assist persons in helpless peril. 
C. No, unless Desmond's peril arose from his own failure to exercise reasonable care. 
D. No, because Pearson's rescue attempt failed and therefore did not benefit Desmond. 
Answer: