Good Samaritan law

Good Samaritan law (pronunciation: /ɡʊd səˈmærɪtən lɔː/) is a legal principle that provides immunity to a person who voluntarily provides aid to someone in distress, even if their actions inadvertently cause harm. The term is derived from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, where a Samaritan man helps a wounded traveler on the road.

Etymology

The term "Good Samaritan" originates from a parable in the Bible's New Testament (Luke 10:25-37). In the story, a Samaritan man helps a wounded traveler, demonstrating the principle of love for one's neighbor. The term "law" in this context refers to a legal principle or statute.

Related Terms

Duty to rescue: A concept in tort law that arises in a number of cases, describing a circumstance in which a party has a duty to help another party in peril.
Negligence: A failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.
Tort law: A body of rights, obligations, and remedies that is applied by courts in civil proceedings to provide relief for persons who have suffered harm from the wrongful acts of others.

Application

Good Samaritan laws are intended to reduce bystanders' hesitation to assist, for fear of being sued or prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death. They vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, with some laws protecting only medical professionals and others offering protection to any Good Samaritan.

Limitations

Good Samaritan laws do not protect individuals who act in a willful, wanton, or reckless manner. They also do not protect individuals who provide care, advice, or assistance in a grossly negligent manner or who act with intentional misconduct.