NAMIC APPLAUDS TORT INITIATIVES

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies has commended Georgia lawmakers for enacting major tort initiatives. David Reddick, NAMIC state affairs manager said SB 3 brings much-needed medical malpractice reforms. It caps non-economic damages at $350,000 in individual suits and $1.05 million for multiple defendants. It also eliminates joint and several liability and creates some venue reform.

Other enacted tort-related bills include: HB 416, sets criteria for individuals to follow in filing legal actions seeking asbestos and silica claims; SB 19, describes procedures, conditions and limitations on the certification of class actions; and SB 139, provides limited liability for certain liquefied petroleum gas providers.

Lawmakers also adopted several bills related to drivers’ licenses, including HB 501, which recreates the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety as the Department of Driver Services and moves some current DMVS responsibilities to other agencies.