Tennessee Injury Attorney Blog
Good Samaritan laws protect those who provide safety to others during dangerous situations or necessary rescue. Tennessee’s Good Samaritan Law protects people from liability if they meet certain conditions. These laws stem from public policy considerations that those who voluntarily perform care in emergencies outside of a medical setting should be immune from liability in most situations. Generally, the law protects from negligence lawsuits against good Samaritans; however, these individuals still maintain their right to sue for personal injury or wrongful death in most scenarios.
Tennessee good Samaritan law protects those giving aid in an emergency without financial gain and so long as they act in good faith. Good faith generally includes situations where a person holds a reasonable opinion that the immediacy of situations requires them to render aid or care. The law does not define precisely what constitutes an “emergency.” However, in most cases, life-threatening situations fall under that umbrella. The law applies to the general public and certain medical providers providing emergency care at an accident scene.
Good Samaritans often put themselves in precarious positions to provide care, safety, and rescue to those in imminent danger. In some situations, these helpers can sustain serious injuries or even death in their effort to aid another. For instance, national news reports described a tragic accident involving a Tennessee good Samaritan. According to reports, the 22-year-old man was on his way to church when he stopped to help a driver involved in an accident. The man parked his vehicle and approached the car accident victim. While rendering aid, another driver slammed into the man’s unoccupied vehicle, which was pushed into him. Tragically the man died from his injuries, leaving behind a one-month-old daughter and wife.
In cases like this, the victim’s family may pursue a claim against the driver who slammed into his unoccupied car. However, these cases are very fact-specific, and a successful case requires the assistance of an experienced attorney. Moreover, while the law protects good Samaritans from negligence, there are situations where they can be held liable, such as if they acted with gross negligence. Gross negligence generally includes situations where a person knowingly acts with a willful disregard for another’s safety.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Tennessee Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries or died in a Tennessee car accident, contact the Hartsoe Law Firm. The personal injury lawyers at the firm have extensive experience successfully handling complex Tennessee cases. Our firm represents clients in cases stemming from Tennessee car and other motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, product liability, and wrongful death. Attorney Hartsoe understands the life-changing impact these accidents can have on a person and their family. As such, he works to ensure that his clients secure the compensation they deserve for their trauma and damages. Compensation in these cases typically includes payments for medical expenses, ongoing treatment, psychological care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and reasonable funeral and burial expenses. Contact injury lawyer Hartsoe at 865-524-5657 to schedule a free initial consultation.