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Simple English definitions for legal terms
good-samaritan law
Read a random definition: public-duty doctrine
A quick definition of good-samaritan law:
Good-Samaritan Law: A law that protects people who try to help others in an emergency situation from being sued if they accidentally cause harm while trying to help. This law encourages people to help others in need without fear of legal consequences. It is important to note that this law does not require people to help others, but it does provide legal protection for those who choose to do so.
A more thorough explanation:
A Good Samaritan Law is a legal statute that protects individuals who voluntarily provide aid to someone in imminent danger from being held liable for any injuries that may occur while rendering aid. This law encourages people to help others in emergency situations without fear of legal repercussions.
- If a doctor sees someone in need of medical attention on the street and stops to help, but accidentally causes further harm while providing aid, they cannot be sued for negligence under the Good Samaritan Law.
- A passerby who performs CPR on a person having a heart attack cannot be held liable for any injuries that may occur during the process.
These examples illustrate how the Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who act in good faith to help others in emergency situations. Without this law, people may be hesitant to provide aid for fear of being sued for any unintended harm that may occur.