Why is it very important for volunteer helpers to have legal protection, so they aren't sued if something goes wrong while they are trying to help people in a disaster?

Legal protection for volunteer helpers in disaster situations is very important because it removes the significant personal financial risk they would otherwise face, thereby encouraging them to offer crucial aid. Without such protection, volunteers could be sued for damages if something inadvertently goes wrong while they are trying to help, creating a strong disincentive to act. For instance, if a volunteer accidentally causes a minor injury while moving an unconscious person to safety, or damages property while trying to access someone trapped, they could be held legally responsible. This legal responsibility is known as liability, meaning they are obligated to compensate for harm or loss. The fear of being sued, having to pay legal fees, and potentially owing large sums of money for unintended harm would deter many compassionate individuals from volunteering at all, especially in chaotic and high-stress disaster environments where mistakes are more likely despite best intentions. Therefore, laws like Good Samaritan laws are enacted to protect individuals who voluntarily assist others in an emergency from liability for ordinary negligence. These laws generally provide protection when a volunteer acts in good faith, without expectation of payment, and does not engage in gross negligence (an extreme lack of care) or willful misconduct (intentional harmful actions). By offering this legal shield, these protections ensure that a sufficient number of people are willing to step forward and provide immediate, life-saving assistance, enhancing the overall speed and effectiveness of disaster response and ultimately saving more lives and reducing suffering. Without it, the pool of available helpers would shrink drastically, leaving victims in greater peril and placing an unmanageable burden on professional responders alone.