You were in a mall, where you saw someone trip & fall unexpectedly. The person was bleeding, and you applied ice and tried to use your tee to stop the bleeding. Months later, you get a letter that you are being sued by the person, because they believe that your action caused them to suffer further. If your intention was truly to help, Nevada’s Good Samaritan Law can protect you. Your first step should be about contacting an attorney, who can explain the scope and limitations of the law. Law firms like Naqvi Accident Injury Law have worked with clients, defending them in situations when they acted in an emergency and tried to help someone. In this post, we are sharing the basics about Good Samaritan Law.
What is the Good Samaritan Law?
The Good Samaritan Law intends to protect bystanders, who acted in an emergency and tried to help, but made a mistake in the process. In other words, if your action of using the tee was wrong, in the example earlier in this post, the person cannot sue you. You are exempt from legal liability, if you –
- Tried to act and offered assistance (not just being nice)
- Acted in an emergency situation
- Didn’t get paid for your action and help,
The purpose
The key reason why lawmakers in Nevada introduced the law was to encourage bystanders and witnesses to help others in emergency situations, without fear of being sued later. There are known cases, when people could have helped, but they didn’t because they were worried about their share of legal liability.
When to contact a lawyer?
If you believe that you have been wrongly sued for acting in an emergency to help someone, you should consider talking to an attorney. Most lawyers and attorneys in Nevada will be happy to offer free initial consultations, and remember that every case is unique. Sometimes, it can be hard to prove that you acted in an emergency, or your intention was to help. Your lawyer will investigate the matter further and ensure that you get the legal representation you need. Don’t shy away from asking questions related to their expertise with Good Samaritan Law and if they can help your case. Check the fee of the lawyer and other costs involved in the lawsuit.
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