Bystanders and witnesses in case of accidents often have a role in saving lives. People, however, often do not act in an emergency or offer help, because they don’t want to be held liable for their mistakes. Lawmakers in Nevada want to encourage bystanders to help people and take immediate action when possible, for which they have introduced the Good Samaritan Law. If you acted like a true Good Samaritan and tried to help someone in an emergency, only to face a lawsuit later, you can ask for legal help. Law firms, such as Naqvi Accident Injury Law, can help in such cases. However, there are a few exceptions to the good Samaritan law.
- You are the cause of the emergency
Note that the Good Samaritan Law only applies to bystanders, and not someone who caused the accident. For instance, if you were the one who rammed into a pedestrian and then tried to help them, you cannot expect protection under the Good Samaritan Law in Nevada.
2. You acted in a grossly negligent matter
If your action can be considered as grossly negligent, the law may not work in your favor. This also applies to cases where a person intentionally tried to harm the victim.
3. You had a duty to help
In some cases, you may not get protection under Good Samaritan Law, if you had the duty to help. For instance, if you run a daycare for children and one of the kids suffered an injury, you have the duty to help. The Good Samaritan Law cannot be considered if the person had a duty to help due to the nature of their job, such as emergency personnel and paid paramedics.
Find the right lawyer
If you are faced with a lawsuit and believe that you acted like a true Good Samaritan, you should consider talking to an attorney. Make sure that the lawyer has experience of defending people in such cases. Ask about their experience, discuss some of the top cases they have handled so far, and don’t shy away from seeking references. Let your lawyer know of the actual case and be honest in your version of the situation. Also, ask your lawyer what you can expect to do to defend yourself.
Your attorney will do their share of investigation and get evidence that will work in your favor and help in getting protection under Good Samaritan Law.
