What do Good Samaritan Laws provide?

Good Samaritan Laws are designed to encourage bystanders to assist those who are injured or in danger without fear of legal repercussions. These laws offer protection from legal action for individuals who voluntarily provide assistance in emergency situations, assuming they act in good faith and follow a reasonable standard of care.

This protection includes scenarios where a person steps in to help someone in distress — for example, performing CPR or assisting a drowning victim — and the assistance they provide inadvertently results in injury. By providing this legal shield, Good Samaritan Laws aim to foster a sense of community responsibility and prompt individuals to intervene rather than stand by in emergencies.

The other options refer to broader interpretations or incorrect applications of the laws. Coverage for all forms of assistance could imply that any action taken, regardless of intention or care, is protected, which is not the case—only reasonable and good faith actions are protected. The notion that these laws are exclusively for paid professionals mischaracterizes their purpose, as they are specifically meant to protect volunteers. Lastly, while there is protection from negligence, it is not immunity from all types of negligence; the law specifies that protection applies when actions are taken in good faith and without gross negligence.