Good Samaritan Laws

A common question is...Can I get sued if I help someone? In today's society anyone can get sued by anyone...anytime...for anything or nothing...but all 50 states have Good Samaritan Laws to protect people who give emergency care to an ill or injured person in good faith without any expectation of reward. These laws have been enacted to encourage people to help. The law requirements are simple, they require the "Good Samaritan" to:

  • Not be deliberately negligent or reckless
  • Act within the scope of his/her training
  • Not abandon the person after starting to give care

SHORT SUMMARY of Good Samaritan Act of Illinois - 745 ILCS 49/10 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; exemption from civil liability for emergency care. Any person currently certified in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation who complies with generally recognized standards, and who in good faith, not for compensation, provides emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a person who is an apparent victim of acute cardiopulmonary insufficiency shall not, as the result of his acts or omissions in providing resuscitation, be liable for civil damages, unless the acts or omissions constitute willful and wanton misconduct.

Good Samaritan laws vary from state to state. If you have questions about an individual state's Good Samaritan laws check with a legal professional or that specific state's laws.

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DISCLAIMER
Although all information and recommendations on this website have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, Safety Training Associates makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of such information or recommendations, other or additional safety measures may he required under particular circumstances. For specific information as to how particular regulations or laws affect your organization it is always prudent to seek advice from your organizations legal counsel.