Oklahoma’s Good Samaritan Law Means What?
When emergencies happen, it is important to know what to do, especially when someone’s life is at stake. Oklahoma has a Good Samaritan Law that protects individuals who render assistance in emergencies from civil liability. This law is designed to encourage people to act quickly and provide help in emergency situations without fear of being sued. However, there are some limitations to the Good Samaritan Law that you should be aware of. In this article, we will explain the details of Oklahoma’s Good Samaritan Law, its limitations, and what to do if you find yourself in a situation where you need legal help.
The Good Samaritan Law protects individuals from civil liability if they act in good faith, without gross negligence or willful misconduct, and without compensation. This means that if you are a Good Samaritan and act in good faith to help someone, you cannot be sued for any damages that may result from your actions.
Limitations of Oklahoma’s Good Samaritan Law
Although Oklahoma’s Good Samaritan Law is designed to encourage people to act quickly and provide help in emergency situations, it has some limitations. The law does not protect individuals from criminal liability in Oklahoma. If you commit a crime while rendering assistance, such as theft or assault, you can still be charged with a crime. Additionally, the law does not protect individuals from liability if they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. If you provide assistance that is clearly reckless or dangerous, you may be held liable for any damages that result.
What to do if you need legal help
While the Good Samaritan Law in Oklahoma is designed to encourage people to render in emergency care or assistance in good faith without compensation and provides legal protection to such individuals, there have been some instances where the law has gone wrong. Here are some examples:
- In 2019, an Oklahoma City firefighter filed a lawsuit alleging that he was wrongly accused of assaulting a patient while rendering medical aid. The firefighter claimed that he was protected by the Good Samaritan Law, but the patient accused him of intentionally causing harm. The case went to trial, and the firefighter was ultimately acquitted of all charges.
- In 2018, a Tulsa man was arrested and charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence after he crashed his car while attempting to render aid to a person involved in a car accident. The man claimed that he was protected by the Good Samaritan Law, but the authorities argued that he had been reckless and had put other people’s lives in danger.
- In 2017, an Oklahoma woman was sued after she attempted to render aid to a person who had been injured in a car accident. The injured person alleged that the woman had caused further harm and had acted with gross negligence. The case went to trial, and the woman was ultimately found liable for damages.
These examples illustrate that while the Good Samaritan Law in Oklahoma provides legal protection to individuals who render emergency care or assistance in good faith without compensation, there are limitations to the law, and it does not protect individuals from criminal liability or liability if they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. If you find yourself in a situation where you need legal help regarding the Good Samaritan Law in Oklahoma, it is important to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Choose Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm
Understanding Oklahoma’s Good Samaritan Law is important for anyone who may find themselves in an emergency situation. While the law provides some protection to individuals who render assistance, it has some limitations that you should be aware of. If you find yourself in a situation where you need legal help, do not hesitate to contact the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm. With their experience and knowledge in criminal defense, they can help you protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Contact them today at 918-256-3400 to schedule a free consultation.