To avoid civil liability, the volunteer must disclose what?

To avoid civil liability, a volunteer must disclose that the care they provide is not for compensation. This is significant because many legal frameworks include provisions that protect volunteers from liability when they provide services without expectation of payment. By clearly stating that no compensation is involved, the volunteer reinforces their status as one providing altruistic assistance, which often corresponds to protections under good Samaritan laws or similar statutes. Such laws are designed to encourage individuals to offer help in emergency situations without fear of being sued for unintended mistakes.

Understanding this concept emphasizes the importance of clarifying the nature of the care given and ensuring that all parties are aware that the assistance is voluntary and unpaid. This distinction can impact the legal standing of both the volunteer and the recipient of care in the event of a dispute or an adverse outcome.