Good Samaritan Law? (live, cost, legal)

[TNNative]

I am wondering if anyone knows of a Good Samaritan Law in TN?

My 18 year old administered CPR (he has taken the course 4 times) recently to a total stranger. The man responded and began to breath right before the EMT's arrived and from what I hear, he is still alive but hospitalized.

A friend at work said that when she took CPR classes the instructor said some people are afraid to do it because of liability. Someone else told me there is such thing as a Good Samaritan law which holds someone rendering aid harmless. I would think that is true when you are only trying to save someone's life.

Can anyone help clarify that?

[Griz83]

Originally Posted by TNNative

A friend at work said that when she took CPR classes the instructor said some people are afraid to do it because of liability. Someone else told me there is such thing as a Good Samaritan law which holds someone rendering aid harmless.

I believe this is true, but I'm not 100% on it. I took CPR on a regular basis when I taught sailing for 7 years here in Nashville. I think if the person receiving aid is responsive, he or she may refuse treatment. But, if they are not responsive, a person giving aid is not held responsible if damage (broken rib from chest compression, etc) occurs.

[rossc]

The law may cover you from any criminal liability, but you can be sued civilly for just about anything some one can dream up. You may win, but it will still cost you in legal fees. If you save someones life but break a rib in the process, don't be surprised if Bart Durham the ambulance chaser comes after you. That's exactly why many people people won't get involved even though they have the ability to help. It's a shame.

[younglisa7]

Originally Posted by rossc

The law may cover you from any criminal liability, but you can be sued civilly for just about anything some one can dream up. You may win, but it will still cost you in legal fees. If you save someones life but break a rib in the process, don't be surprised if Bart Durham the ambulance chaser comes after you. That's exactly why many people people won't get involved even though they have the ability to help. It's a shame.

That just goes to show how broken our society has become. I would be endlessly thankful to someone who helped save my life.

[jbmill3]

TN has a "Good Samaritan Law": Tennessee.

It's doesn't offer nearly as much protection as similar laws in some other states, but it's not bad. It's not blanket protection, though, so the details of the incident can matter.

[TNNative]

The man was unresponsive and not breathing. Other people standing around didn't know what to do. EMT's were much more forceful than when the compressions continued from what I'm told.

Thanks for everyone's help.

[bran_smith]

and a bad thing about known and have a cpr card you are bad if you do not give it toa person in need...
it is said if you are doing the compressions right you will break a rib or two....
Your boy is a hero to me, and many others.. He did what no other person would of done.. If he had not gave that man CPR would he be here today?
we need more plp like your son who will do things like that