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After a serious accident, it’s not uncommon for people nearby to step in and help, sometimes without thinking twice. Whether it’s offering comfort, calling 911, or moving someone out of harm’s way, these actions are often instinctive. Still, a troubling question can surface afterward: What law shields you from liability when trying to help someone injured in an accident? The concern is genuine, especially when injuries are severe, emotions are running high, and the legal consequences of helping aren’t always clear.
At Goldblatt + Singer, we’ve seen how moments like these can raise uncertainty. As a St. Louis personal injury firm, we believe no one should face legal risk for offering help in good faith. That’s why we’re committed to educating our community about Missouri’s Good Samaritan law so you can act with confidence when it matters most.
Good Samaritan laws exist in all 50 states to protect people who voluntarily assist others in emergency situations. These laws are grounded in public policy and aim to eliminate the fear of legal repercussions for those who act in good faith to help someone who is injured, ill, or in danger.
According to the National Library of Medicine, these laws are based on the principle that offering help should not open someone up to civil liability, especially when medical emergencies occur outside of traditional clinical environments. These laws were originally intended for bystanders, but in many cases, they also extend to professionals acting off duty or outside a formal healthcare setting.
To be protected under Missouri’s Good Samaritan law, certain clear legal conditions must be met by the person offering aid:
By encouraging immediate action in moments that can mean life or death, Good Samaritan laws serve a vital public safety function and help ensure timely support for accident victims.
In a medical emergency, time matters. Bystanders are often the first to help, especially in situations like:
In these situations, Missouri’s Good Samaritan protections may apply. If you call 911, administer CPR, or manage bleeding at the scene, you’re generally shielded from civil liability, even if the outcome is not favorable.
Offering help may involve removing someone from danger, providing basic first aid, or staying with them until professionals arrive.
These protections do not extend to reckless or intentionally harmful behavior, such as attempting medical procedures beyond your training.
Yes, Missouri law provides liability protection for individuals who provide emergency assistance in good faith. The statute is especially relevant when a person helps someone experiencing a medical emergency or a drug or alcohol overdose.
As detailed in Section 195.205 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, individuals who act in good faith to seek or provide medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose, or any other medical emergency, are protected from arrest, criminal charges, prosecution, conviction, or other legal penalties resulting from that act.
This protection extends to the person receiving assistance and those seeking help. Importantly, if evidence used for legal charges was obtained due to the assistance given, it is not admissible for prosecution. That means your actions in helping cannot be used against you or the person you assisted, in specific criminal or civil contexts.
Here are some examples of covered scenarios:
While these laws are designed to protect well-meaning individuals acting under stress, they do not guarantee immunity in every situation. Legal outcomes may still depend on your intent, the nature of your actions, and whether they align with the law’s requirements.
The line between good-faith assistance and medical malpractice can sometimes appear blurry, particularly when the helper is a healthcare provider or trained in emergency care. Missouri law distinguishes between voluntary, good-faith aid and professional medical treatment in a formal setting.
Good Samaritan protections generally do not apply when:
However, off-duty professionals who voluntarily stop to help in emergencies may be shielded if they act within the reasonable training limits.
Key distinctions for avoiding liability:
Ultimately, Missouri law encourages cautious intervention in emergency situations. If you are uncertain whether your actions could be interpreted as malpractice, document your efforts and consult legal counsel if needed.
You shouldn’t have to second-guess yourself for doing the right thing. Missouri law recognizes this, and so do we. At Goldblatt + Singer, we’ve spent decades protecting the rights of people involved in accidents, whether they were the injured or the bystander offering help in a critical moment.
If you helped someone during a crash, overdose, or other emergency and now face legal uncertainty, we’re ready to help. Call (314) 231-4100 or contact us online to speak with a team member. Consultations are always free, and every conversation is completely confidential.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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