“Good Samaritan” principles in the UAE: legal liabilities when administering first aid
Type
E-journal
Date
27 May 2014
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Taxonomy
Sentencing Powers & General Principles of Sentencing, General Health & Safety, Medical Procedure & Treatment
Copyright
LexisNexis
Relevant company
Clyde & Co
Legal reference
Federal Law No. 3/1987, Federal Law No. 8/1980, Ministerial Decision No. 32/1982, Ministerial Decision No. 37/2/1982
Analysis
The Good Samaritan principle means a range of different things around the world both in accordance with legislation and custom and practice. It is human nature to want to help another who needs medical assistance, but in today's society, there is understandable concern that individuals who attempt to help another may be at risk of having a claim brought against them if that person suffers harm as a result of their intervention. The following article discusses whether a Good Samaritan principle is applied in the UAE, both from the perspective of rescuers and safety officers.
There is often confusion as to what the legal liability will be in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when a person administers first aid, and what, if any, the legal consequences will be in the event the injured person dies as result of their injuries. In this legal update, we address the following three points, in accordance with UAE Law and Sharia Law:
• Is the concept of a Good Samaritan recognised within the UAE?