The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has highlighted concerns regarding Georgia's civil justice system, which it describes as being affected by increasing nuclear verdicts and expanding liability standards. This announcement was made in a report released on December 10, 2024.
According to a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Georgia reported 64 cases resulting in $6 billion in awards between 2013 and 2022. The state's legal framework allows jurors to award damages for the "full value of life." In 2022, Georgia saw a significant punitive damages award of $1.7 billion in a product liability case.
The American Tort Reform Foundation's report attributes Georgia's susceptibility to excessive verdicts partly to its seatbelt gag rule. This rule prevents juries from considering seatbelt usage during trials, even when relevant to determining liability or damages.
Insurify reports that Georgia drivers pay an average of $198 per month for car insurance, which is notably higher than the national average of $156 per month. Liability coverage in Georgia averages $152, while full coverage costs $244 per month, according to Insurify’s 2024 Car Insurance Report.
Governor Brian Kemp has prioritized addressing lawsuit abuse for 2025. According to the American Tort Reform Foundation’s 2024-2025 Judicial Hellholes Report, Kemp has conducted multiple roundtables with businesses and industry leaders to discuss policy solutions and legislative fixes. This initiative follows a year when the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation aimed at curbing rising insurance costs, and the Insurance Commission released a report emphasizing the need for civil justice reform.
ATRA describes itself as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1986 by the American Council of Engineering Companies, with subsequent involvement from the American Medical Association. The association is committed to reforming the civil justice system and advocating for tort reform. Its membership includes nonprofits, small and large companies, as well as state and national trade, business, and professional associations.