What Is Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law?
It’s natural for bystanders to worry about lending aid after a car crash or other type of accident in a society where facing a personal injury lawsuit is a possibility. Nobody’s fear of being sued should ever interfere with them being able to render well-intentioned aid if someone else is injured. That’s one reason the state of Maryland, like many others, has a Good Samaritan Law.
Those who offer emergency first aid or other assistance to someone suffering from injuries are protected by this law. This helps ensure that those who are injured in an accident can receive the critical assistance they need until first responders can arrive. Any resulting personal injury suit should focus on whoever’s negligence caused the accident. Our car accident lawyer can assist anyone needing to pursue this type of claim.
What Is Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law?
Under Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Section 5-603, members of the general public who offer first aid in a “reasonably prudent manner” without expectation of compensation cannot be held civilly liable for what they do (or don’t do) when rendering assistance. The law does require them to defer to certified first responders once they report to the scene.
Some may wonder exactly what a reasonably prudent manner means in practicality. For the most part, anyone who acts in good faith when they jump in to assist on the scene of an accident will be covered by this law. Typically, the only time when someone may be held personally liable in this type of situation is when they act with gross negligence. Don’t let that scare you. The bar for what rises to the level of gross negligence is fairly high.
Does Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law Apply to First Responders and EMTs?
The Maryland Good Samaritan Law applies to first responders and EMTs as well. Provided that they are not charging any sort of fee to an accident victim, they are protected from acts or omissions while offering emergency medical care or first aid. This includes offering assistance at an emergency scene, while transporting someone to receive further medical care, or during consultation with other responders or medical personnel.
The law applies to first responders and EMTs who are certified or licensed in the state of Maryland, as well as those who have taken an advanced first aid class by the American Red Cross or a similar agency. As with the general public, only a first responder who acts with gross negligence can be found civilly liable for rendering aid under this law. Those who are acting in good faith and in a reasonably prudent manner will otherwise be protected.
Contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub to Discuss Your Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle collision or other type of accident, you may be able to seek financial restitution from any negligent party who caused the incident. The Law Office of Hillel Traub offers decades of experience in seeking damages from negligent motorists and their insurance companies. We’re happy to offer a free consultation to discuss your legal rights. You can contact our personal injury attorney by calling (410) 580-1100 or going online to learn more.