Why did the good samaritan act start?

Answer 1

The purpose of the good samaritan act is to protect people who injured somebody they were trying to help.

It means that rescuers cannot be sued for trying to save somebody's life.

It doesn't protect people from all lawsuits though. You have to know what you are doing and trying to do your best.

For example - If a doctor sees somebody in a restaurant having a heart attack, and goes over to give him lifesaving CPR while somebody calls 911, and in the process of giving CPR he breaks the person's ribs, he cannot be sued for breaking the guys ribs. He was doing his best in an effort to try to save somebody.

BUT, if the doctor says to himself, "you know what? I know how to perform CPR, but I think I am just going to stomp on this guys' chest to see if I can keep his heart pumping that way." The good samaritan statute will not protect him from a lawsuit.

And just so you know, people have NO affirmative duty to rescue. If you see somebody on the street who is on fire, you do not have to help him. If you see a blind guy walking in the street who is about to get hit by a bus, you do not have to help him.

You should though, because it is the right thing to do. And one more thing, if you start helping somebody, the law states that you must continue to help that person. You can be charged with negligence if you begin CPR but then get bored and walk away. Just an FYI.

Answer 2

The Good Samaritan act originated from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, which teaches the importance of helping those in need. The story inspired people to show compassion and assist strangers, leading to the development of laws and acts that protect individuals who offer aid in emergency situations.