As humans, most of us instinctively want to help others when there is an emergency or when others are in need. Unfortunately, some people fear that if they help others and something goes wrong, they’ll be held legally and financially responsible for injuries or other harm.
For example, CPR can save a life. Yet, did you know that broken ribs are a common side effect of chest compressions? How do you do the most good in a medical emergency while protecting yourself?
At The Terry Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys want to help you understand Tennessee’s Good Samaritan Law and how it can protect you when you try to help by rendering emergency care.
Purpose of the Tennessee Good Samaritan Law
Tennessee has a Good Samaritan law, which is meant to shield individuals from legal liability if they unintentionally injure another person while rendering medical treatment or trying to assist in an emergency. The legal immunity from personal injury lawsuits extends to people as long as they act in good faith and respond to an immediate threat or emergency.
The Good Samaritan law does not mandate that individuals help others in need. Instead, the purpose of the law is to encourage individuals to step forward and help without fearing legal or financial repercussions.
Key Provisions of the Tennessee Good Samaritan Law
One of the essential provisions of the Good Samaritan law in Tennessee is that anyone who acts in an emergency in good faith has immunity from potential legal repercussions. First responders and emergency medical technicians have the skills and training to respond to intense emergencies. The average person does not possess the same skills as trained professionals. Most people don’t realize how easy it is to break ribs when administering chest compressions to an unresponsive person. Should the fear of a lawsuit prevent someone from doing CPR and saving a life?
Another element of this law is that the person providing aid must not provide aid that a person using their common sense would not offer.
Tennessee’s Good Samaritan law means individuals can act on their intuition to help others, avoiding legal liability if an unexpected side effect or injury occurs due to their actions. Only if an individual exhibits gross negligence in assisting someone can they be potentially liable.
Does the Good Samaritan Law Apply in Overdose Situations?
Another crucial element of the Good Samaritan law in Tennessee is that it also extends legal protections to individuals who provide medical assistance or seek help for individuals experiencing a drug overdose. A person who calls 911 for an overdose victim who is high or using drugs would not be subject to arrest, be charged, or be prosecuted for a drug violation if evidence of the violation charges came about because they sought medical assistance for someone else.
Get Help from Our Tennessee Personal Injury Attorneys Now
An attorney with The Terry Law Firm can protect your rights and help you understand how the Good Samaritan law may play a role in your case. Contact our office today for a free consultation with an East Tennessee personal injury attorney.
