Guide to Michigan Good Samaritan Laws

When someone suffers cardiac arrest, struggles to breathe, or overdoses on drugs, every second matters. Fear of lawsuits or criminal charges, however, can cause hesitation, and that hesitation can cost lives. Michigan’s Good Samaritan law was designed to remove those concerns by offering legal protection to people who step forward to help. If you provided medical aid in good faith and now face legal questions, Matz Injury Law can explain your rights and guide you through the process.

What Is The Good Samaritan Law In Michigan?

Michigan’s Good Samaritan law has expanded over time to protect more people in emergency situations. Originally passed in 1963 to cover medical professionals, it was broadened in 1986 to include CPR, in 1999 to cover automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and more recently to protect those administering naloxone (Narcan) during opioid overdoses.

The law, found at MCL 691.1504, provides immunity from liability when aid is given in good faith, without gross negligence or willful misconduct. It also shields individuals who call for medical help during a drug overdose from certain possession charges, provided the drugs are only for personal use. By reducing these barriers, the law encourages lifesaving action and strengthens public health in Michigan.

What Do The Good Samaritan Laws Protect?

Michigan’s Good Samaritan laws provide legal protection in certain situations:

• Immunity from liability when CPR is given or an AED is used in an emergency. Giving naloxone to someone during an opioid overdose is also protected. First aid in general, like bandaging or moving someone, is not automatically covered under current law.
• Protection for medical professionals, first responders, and laypersons who give emergency care voluntarily and without compensation.
• Immunity from some drug possession charges when calling 911 or emergency services for an overdose victim.

These provisions encourage people to act quickly to save lives rather than fear legal consequences.

Does Michigan’s Good Samaritan Law Cover Drug Overdose Situations?

Yes. Michigan’s Good Samaritan law applies in drug overdose situations. It protects individuals who seek medical assistance by limiting liability and shielding them from certain charges tied to personal-use drug possession. However, it does not extend to drug trafficking or other unrelated criminal offenses.

Am I Legally Obligated to Help Someone?

No. In Michigan, there is no general legal duty for bystanders to provide medical assistance. The main exceptions apply to law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, or individuals who created or contributed to the emergency.

How Do Good Samaritan Laws Affect Licensed Medical Professionals?

Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other licensed medical professionals may be protected under Michigan’s Good Samaritan law if they volunteer services outside their normal job duties and without compensation. Immunity usually doesn’t apply when professionals are doing their paid job. However, they may still be protected if the emergency help they gave wasn’t part of their assigned duties at the time, even inside a hospital.

How Does the Good Samaritan Law Protect Individuals With First Aid Training in Emergency Situations?

Michigan’s Good Samaritan law extends to individuals with first aid training who provide assistance in emergencies. If you perform CPR, use an AED, or give basic first aid in good faith, you are generally immune from liability. This protection applies to both laypersons and trained personnel, so long as their actions are responsible, without gross negligence, and not for compensation.

What Are Some Examples Of Actions Protected Under Good Samaritan Laws?

• Performing CPR on someone in cardiac arrest.
• Using an AED on an unresponsive victim.
• Giving naloxone and calling 911 during an opioid overdose.

While offering other types of help, like controlling bleeding or helping in a mental health crisis, is admirable, current Michigan law doesn’t always guarantee legal protection for those actions.

If you provided aid in one of these ways and now face legal concerns, Matz Injury Law can review your situation and explain how Michigan’s Good Samaritan law may protect you.

When Does Michigan Law Grant Immunity?

Michigan’s Good Samaritan law grants immunity in situations such as:

• Seeking medical assistance for a drug overdose when only personal-use amounts of a controlled substance are involved.
• Providing emergency care in good faith, without gross negligence or willful misconduct, and within the rescuer’s ability.

This protection can reduce the risk of civil lawsuits and, in overdose cases, shield individuals from certain possession charges. If questions arise about whether immunity applies to your case, a lawyer at Matz Injury Law can help assess the details and protect your rights.

Are There Any Exceptions To The Good Samaritan Law In Michigan?

Michigan’s Good Samaritan protections have limits. The law does not apply to:

• Actions involving gross negligence, willful misconduct, or wanton misconduct.
• Individuals involved in drug trafficking or other unrelated criminal activity.
• Medical professionals providing care within the scope of their paid employment.
• Attempts to avoid liability for crimes unrelated to the emergency medical services, such as theft or possession of stolen property.

If you are unsure whether an exception applies to your situation, Matz Injury Law can evaluate the circumstances and advise you on the next steps.

Can You Be Sued for Helping an Injured Person in Michigan?

Yes, it is possible to be sued after providing aid. However, Michigan’s Good Samaritan law usually protects people who act in good faith. Immunity applies so long as the rescuer avoids gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Acting responsibly and within your knowledge helps reduce the risk of liability. If you do face a lawsuit, the attorneys at Matz Injury Law can raise Good Samaritan immunity as part of your defense.

Your Legal Options When Sued for Good Samaritan Actions

If you are sued after giving emergency aid, Michigan’s Good Samaritan law may protect you. Demonstrating that you acted voluntarily, in good faith, and without compensation can serve as a defense against liability. An attorney from Matz Injury Law can examine your case, assert immunity under Michigan Law, and guide you through legal motions or defenses to protect your rights.

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

At Matz Injury Law, we help people who face legal questions after doing the right thing in an emergency. We understand how Michigan’s Good Samaritan law is applied in civil cases and how to defend against liability claims. Our attorneys also handle a wide range of personal injury matters, giving us the insight needed when emergency care overlaps with accident law.

We offer free case evaluations so you can learn about your options without cost or risk. Our contingency fee is 22%, not 33% like many other law firms, and you only pay if we recover compensation for you. We also travel across Michigan to meet clients where they are, making the process more accessible and convenient.

When you choose Matz Injury Law, you get a dedicated team that listens, explains your rights clearly, and stands beside you throughout every step of the legal process.

Our Southfield Michigan Client Testimonials

“Steve and his staff have been an absolute delight to work with. I was with another firm prior to having Steve represent me. I am so glad I made the switch to Steve and the Matz Injury Law Firm. He has always been straight up with me and always kept me informed. If he wasn’t available he got back with me in a very timely manner. I am positive that I would not have received the same experience and outcome with the previous firm. If you find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney I highly recommend you give Steve and Matz Injyry Law a call; I’m so glad I did!” — Rick K.

“Steve was communicative, clear, highly competent, efficient and friendly. I have not pursued anything like this before and felt that I was in good hands. I was satisfied with the settlement – and would highly recommend Matz Injury Law to those who are looking for this type of service.” — Jennifer B.

“Jared Matz of Matz Injury Law is an excellent attorney. He is very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance in matters of law. He goes above and beyond for his clients and has wonderful caring attitude.” — Carl R.S.

Avoid Legal Risk in Facing Legal Questions After Helping in an Emergency? We Can Help.

If you or a loved one face legal questions after providing emergency aid in Michigan, Matz Injury Law is here to help. Michigan’s Good Samaritan law protects people who act in good faith, but legal challenges can still occur.

We offer free case evaluations to help you understand your rights and options, and we work on a 22% contingency fee—lower than the 33% charged by many other law firms. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Matz Injury Law today at 866-226-6833 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney who will explain your legal protections, answer your questions, and stand by you throughout your case.