What are Good Samaritan Laws designed to protect individuals from?

Good Samaritan Laws are designed to protect individuals who voluntarily provide assistance in emergency situations from liability for errors made while rendering emergency care. These laws encourage bystanders to help those in need without the fear of legal repercussions if their actions inadvertently cause harm.

The essence of Good Samaritan Laws is to promote altruism and ensure that individuals are willing to lend a hand during crises, knowing they won’t be subject to lawsuits just for trying to help. This legal protection typically applies to individuals who act in good faith, providing care that is reasonable under the circumstances, even if untrained or unqualified.

While Good Samaritan Laws do offer some protections against legal actions resulting from negligence and civil lawsuits related to personal injury, their primary focus is on safeguarding individuals from liability specifically arising from mistakes made during the emergency care process. Thus, being protected from liability for errors made while rendering emergency care distinctly encapsulates the hallmark of these laws.