A bill proposing major changes to Georgia’s legal system passed the Georgia Senate last week with a 33-21 vote after a compromise was added about how juries calculate medical damages.
Senate Bill 68 aims to create a balance between plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury cases. It introduces limits on property owners’ liability for injuries, restricts special damages for medical bills to actual amounts paid, and allows trials to be split into stages for jury decisions on liability and damages.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp supports these changes, viewing them as necessary to reduce business insurance costs. He has warned lawmakers of potential primary challenges if they do not support the bill. However, Democrats and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association argue that the bill may infringe on citizens’ rights to seek compensation and doesn’t actually lower insurance rates.
The bill was risky to pass but was adjusted to provide jurors with better information about medical costs. Democrats propose an alternative bill aiming to address frivolous lawsuits while rewarding businesses for improving safety. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports the changes and calls for further action on related legislation.
Comments