It’s easy to think that we live in a cruel world where no one cares about each other—but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Wherever there is an accident, or someone is in need of help, you can usually expect to find one or two good Samaritans who are willing to help no matter what it takes.
If someone is in danger or is in critical need of medical attention, you don’t need to be a medical professional to help get them stabilized—or simply just to let them know that they’re not alone. At the very least, you can call 9-1-1 so that emergency responders can assist with their injuries.
However, some people might be hesitant to jump in and help because they are afraid of being sued for providing improper care to the injured party. Luckily, there is a law on the books in all 50 states that allow kind people to help without fear of litigation afterward.
In Georgia, this law is called the “Good Samaritan Law” and has been on the books since 1962. Here is more information about what the law says and how it is applied.
What is the Good Samaritan Law?
Here is what the Good Samaritan Law says:
“Any person, including any person licensed to practice medicine and surgery … and including any person licensed to render services ancillary thereto, who in good faith renders emergency care at the scene of an accident or emergency to the victim or victims thereof without making any charge, therefore, shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of any act or omission by such person in rendering emergency care or as a result of any act or failure to act to provide or arrange for further medical treatment or care for the injured person.”
What this essentially means is that you are protected under the law if you help somebody. You should be able to do this without fear of retribution—because, in some emergency situations, seconds and minutes really matter, no matter if you’re a professional or not.
One Caveat to the Law
For a Good Samaritan to be completely protected under the law, they must not charge for their services of goodwill. If you are actively trying to help the person, not charge them, and are not trying to harm them, the Good Samaritan law will protect you.
Have you been injured in an accident in Georgia that was due to the negligence of another? The Fry Law Team can assist you with slip and fall accidents, car accidents, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Call us today at 404-969-1284.
