Are there liability issues associated with the use of AEDs?
Nothing can stop a plaintiff from filing suit against a business or person, whether it be filed against a business who has an AED or whether it be filed against a business who does not have an AED. However, for those businesses and persons who choose to have an AED available for the protection of employees, visitors or patrons, there are laws enacted to protect those with AEDs, which greatly improve a business or persons chances in obtaining the dismissal of claims. These laws were enacted to provide incentives for purchasing these life-saving products. For example, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA), a federal law enacted in 1996, provides limited immunity from lawsuits to AED owners and users if the owner has (1) notified local emergency systems of their AED location; (2) provided periodic testing for the device; and, (3) provided AED training for some but not all – expected users. This immunity attaches even if the AED is used by someone who does not have training. All 50 states
