What do Good Samaritan Laws protect?

Good Samaritan Laws are designed to protect individuals who voluntarily provide assistance to someone who is injured or in danger, as long as the aid provided is reasonable and in good faith. These laws encourage bystanders to help those in need during emergencies by minimizing the fear of legal repercussions if the assistance inadvertently leads to further harm or complications. The key aspect is the "reasonable aid" part—this means that as long as the person offering help acts with a reasonable level of care, they are protected from liability.

It is important to note that Good Samaritan Laws do not exclusively cover medical professionals; they apply to anyone willing to help in an emergency scenario. Furthermore, these laws do not blanket individuals with immunity in all circumstances. They focus on situations where assistance is provided in emergency contexts under the presumption of good faith. Finally, while emergency responders may have some protections due to their roles and training, the Good Samaritan Laws primarily apply to ordinary citizens acting in emergencies.