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§55-7-26. First Responders Who Use Forced Entry in Response to 911 Call; Limited Immunity From Civil and Criminal Liability

WV Code § 55-7-26 (2019) (N/A)
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(a) "First responder" includes: law-enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel and others that respond to calls for emergency medical assistance.

(b) Neither a first responder nor his or her supervisor, agency, employer or supervising entity is liable for any civil damages or criminal liability resulting from a forcible entry of a home, business or other structure if the first responder:

(1) Is responding to a documented 911 call for emergency medical assistance;

(2) Has made reasonable efforts to summon an occupant of the home, business, or structure by knocking or otherwise notifying the occupant(s) of his or her presence;

(3) Has not received a response from an occupant within a reasonable period of time; and

(4) Has a good faith belief that it is necessary to make a forcible entry for the purposes of rendering emergency medical assistance or preventing imminent bodily harm.

(c) Nothing in this section shall affect the standard of care a first responder must employ when rendering aid after gaining entry.

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§55-7-25. Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Actions; Complaint; Specific Amount of Damages Not to Be Stated
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§55-7-27. Liability of Possessor of Real Property for Harm to a Trespasser