Good Samaritan Laws

Excerpt

The Good Samaritan law is rooted in the ancient biblical parable, defining a "Good Samaritan" as an individual who intervenes to help and assist another person without any prior obligation or expectation of compensation. Good Samaritan laws are based on the principle that consensus agreement supports good public policy by limiting liability for individuals who voluntarily provide care and assistance during emergencies. Medical emergencies often occur outside clinical settings, making them a common occurrence. Thus, in theory and principle, society benefits when potential rescuers—Good Samaritans—focus solely on helping individuals in need rather than worrying about potential liability for their assistance.