Understanding California’s Good Samaritan Law
Have you ever witnessed an emergency situation and wanted to help but hesitated because you were afraid of legal repercussions? If so, you are not alone. Many people are reluctant to intervene in emergencies because they are unsure of their legal rights and responsibilities. However, in California, Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who act in good faith to provide emergency care.
HSC statute 1799.102. encourages individuals to volunteer to assist others in need during an emergency as long as volunteers who provide care or assistance act responsibly. Since EMTs and other emergency responders often cannot get to the scene immediately, help from others can save lives and prevent further injuries. Speak with the California lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. for highly qualified legal counsel on Good Samaritan laws.
What Are Good Samaritan Laws?
Good Samaritan laws are statutes that provide legal protection to individuals who provide emergency care to others in good faith without expecting compensation or reward. The purpose of these laws is to enable individuals to assist others without fear of being sued or prosecuted for negligence or misconduct.
In California, this extends to medical professionals, law enforcement officers, and ordinary citizens. Good Samaritan laws vary depending on the citation but generally provide immunity from liability for acts or omissions done in good faith without willful or wanton disregard.
Overview of California’s Good Samaritan Laws
California’s Good Samaritan laws cover a wide range of emergencies, including the following:
- Providing emergency first aid or emergency medical care: If you are a medical professional or trained in first aid, you can provide emergency care to an injured person without fear of being sued for negligence, as long as you act in good faith and do not go outside the scope of your training.
- Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect: If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you are required by law to report it to the appropriate authorities. California’s Good Samaritan laws protect you from civil or criminal liability for making such reports in good faith.
- Rescuing a person from danger: If you witness someone in danger, such as drowning or trapped in a burning building, you can attempt to rescue them without fear or being sued for negligence as long as you act in good faith and within the scope of your abilities.
- Using an automated external defibrillator (AED): If you are trained in the use of an AED and use it to assist someone in sudden cardiac arrest, California’s Good Samaritan laws protect you from liability for any injuries that result from the use of the device, as long as you act in good faith and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
While California’s Good Samaritan laws provide broad protection to individuals who provide emergency care, there are some exceptions. For example, you may be held liable if:
- You acted with willful or wanton misconduct, such as intentionally causing harm to the person you are trying to help
- You abandoned the person in need of emergency care before help arrived
- You caused harm to the person you are trying to help through gross negligence or recklessness
It is important to note that Good Samaritan laws do not provide protection for acts or omissions outside of emergencies.
Contact the Good Samaritan Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
California’s Good Samaritan laws are designed to support individuals in providing emergency assistance or care without fear of legal repercussions. If you are acting in good faith and within the scope of your training or abilities, you are generally protected from liability for any injuries that result from your actions or omissions. However, there are exceptions to the law, so it is important to speak with the highly qualified lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. for legal guidance and counsel.
We fight for your legal rights from initial consultation to resolution. Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling (916) 970-9100 or filling out our contact form.
