Good Samaritan laws
Helper immunity statutes
Good Samaritan laws protect people who help others in emergencies from being sued for unintentional harm.
Named for the biblical parable, these laws encourage bystanders to assist—administering CPR, pulling someone from a car wreck—without fear of liability if something goes wrong.
Most jurisdictions require the helper to act in good faith and without expectation of payment.
The Good Samaritan law shielded her from the lawsuit after she broke his ribs doing chest compressions.
- aidSupport given freely
- helpAssistance given
- rescueSave from harm
- good faithSincere, honest intent
- emergencySerious sudden danger
act of kindness · medical emergency · statute · legal · call · gross negligence · bystander effect · nonfeasance · 911 call · immunity · legal protection · legal liability · protection · first responder · intervention · assistance · first aid · CPR training
- tort lawtort, tort law, negligence, duty of care, breach of duty
Good Samaritan lawsstrict liability
Legal responsibility without fault
civil liability · professional liability · personal injury claims
Good Samaritan lawsdereliction of duty
Willful failure at responsibilities