The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform has reported that Georgia's tort costs are among the highest in the United States, with each household bearing an average of $5,050 in expenses related to lawsuits. This announcement was made on the social media platform X on March 10.
According to the report, Georgia's tort costs amounted to nearly $20 billion in 2022, representing 2.6% of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This financial burden impacts the disposable income and financial stability of families throughout the state. The high costs are attributed to factors such as significant nuclear verdicts—large jury awards exceeding $10 million.
The American Tort Reform Foundation's 2023-2024 report identified Georgia as the top "Judicial Hellhole," highlighting a challenging legal environment characterized by excessive litigation and substantial jury awards. This designation points to a landscape marked by excessive "nuclear" verdicts, expanded premises liability, and questionable decisions by the Georgia Supreme Court.
The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce focused on advocating for civil justice reform. It aims to reduce excessive litigation, promote fairness in the legal system, and enhance economic growth by addressing the impact of lawsuit abuse on businesses and consumers.