Full question:
My friends and I helped someone, who met with a severe accident at a NJ state highway, to reach a nearby hospital. We carried him over in my car. In the meantime, he lost his watch, mobile phone, and some other valuables. Am I liable for these?
- Category: Helping People
- Subcategory: Good Samaritan Laws
- Date:
- State: New Jersey
Answer:
No, you are not liable for the victim's losses. New Jersey law protects individuals who provide emergency assistance in good faith. If you helped the person during an emergency and transported them to a hospital, you are generally immune from civil damages related to your actions while assisting them.
This immunity applies to anyone who renders emergency care, including volunteers and certain licensed professionals, as long as their actions are not grossly negligent. However, if a law enforcement officer or firefighter acts with gross negligence, they may still be held liable. You can refer to the relevant law in New Jersey under N.J. Stat. § 2A:62A-1, which outlines civil immunity for emergency care.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.