Blog: Minnesota Good Samaritan Law: What You Need to Know

By: Alex R. Flaten

INTRODUCTION: 

When an emergency happens, most people want to help–but many hesitate out of fear of “doing the wrong thing” or being sued later. Minnesota’s Good Samaritan Law, found in Minnesota Statute § 604A.01, is designed to address exactly that concern. It both requires reasonable assistance in certain situations and protects people who step in to help from civil liability.

Here’s what the law means for everyday Minnesotans.

A LEGAL DUTY TO ASSIST IN EMERGENCIES

Under Minnesota law, a person who is at the scene of an emergency and knows that another person has been exposed to or has suffered grave physical harm has a legal duty to help–as long as doing so does not place themselves or others in danger.

This does not mean you are expected to perform medical procedures or put yourself at risk. The law specifically states that “reasonable assistance" may include simply calling 911 or attempting to obtain help from law enforcement or medical professionals.

Failing to provide reasonable assistance can result in a petty misdemeanor, which underscores that Minnesota expects people to take basic steps to help others in serious emergencies when it is safe to do so.

PROTECTION FROM CIVIL LIABILITY FOR GOOD SAMARITANS

One of the biggest concerns people have is liability. Minnesota’s Good Samaritan Law provides broad protection for individuals who step in to help.

If you voluntarily provide emergency care, advice, or assistance without compensation or expectation of compensation, you are generally not liable for civil damages resulting from your actions—or inactions—while helping. This protection applies whether care is provided at the scene of the emergency or while transporting someone to receive professional medical care.

The key exception is if a person acts in a willful, wanton, or reckless manner. In other words, the law protects good-faith efforts to help—it does not protect conduct that shows a conscious disregard for safety.

WHO IS COVERED BY THE LAW?

The statute defines “person” broadly. It includes not only individuals, but also volunteer firefighters, volunteer police officers, volunteer ambulance attendants, first responders, ski patrollers, and even organizations and entities.

Importantly, volunteers are still considered uncompensated, even if they receive reimbursements, expense payments, or pension benefits. Those benefits do not count as “compensation” under the statute.

However, the law does not apply to people rendering emergency care as part of their regular, paid employment when emergency care is among their usual job duties. For example, a medical professional acting within the scope of paid employment would not rely on this statute for immunity.

WHERE THE LAW APPLIES

The “scene of an emergency” is defined as an area outside of hospitals or medical offices. This includes public spaces and areas affected by fires, explosions, hazardous material releases, and even ski areas and trails.

This broad definition ensures the law applies to real-world emergencies where immediate professional medical care may not be available.

USE OF AEDs IS SPECIFICALLY PROTECTED

The statute also specifically addresses the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). Providing emergency care using an AED is included within the definition of protected emergency care, as long as:

• The person receiving aid does not object; and

• The individual providing care is not doing so as part of compensated, job-related medical duties.

This provision encourages bystanders to use AEDs without fear of liability when someone is experiencing cardiac distress.

HOW JENNRICH LAW CAN HELP?

While Minnesota’s Good Samaritan Law is designed to protect those who act in good faith, real-world situations are not always clear-cut. Questions can arise about whether assistance was “reasonable,” whether someone had a legal duty to act, or whether immunity applies in a specific circumstance.

Jennrich Law helps individuals navigate these complex legal issues with clarity and confidence. Whether you are:

• Facing charges related to an alleged failure to assist,

• Concerned about potential liability after helping in an emergency, or

• Seeking guidance after an emergency resulted in legal questions,

Our firm can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and options under Minnesota law.