Jackson v. Mercy Health Center, Inc.

OPALA, Justice.

The single issue on certiorari is whether the Good Samaritan1 Act, 76 O.S.1991 § 5,2 gives defendant Mercy Health Center, Inc. [the Hospital] statutory immunity from liability for its personnel’s allegedly negligent attempt to render medical aid to plaintiff Tim Jackson, a hospital visitor. We answer in the affirmative.

I

THE ANATOMY OF LITIGATION

At the Hospital’s invitation Tim Jackson [the visitor] accompanied his pregnant wife to the operating room to comfort her and to observe his baby’s delivery by Caesarean section.3 The visitor became dizzy while watching preparations for…