Governor Kemp’s Tort Reform Bill: A Direct Attack on Victims’ Rights in Georgia

At Jarrett & Price Injury Lawyers, we dedicate our practice to fighting for the rights of injured Georgians. Whether it’s victims of car accidents, medical malpractice, or violent crimes like sex trafficking, we believe that those harmed by negligence deserve a fair chance to seek justice. We also strongly believe that those who have caused the harm should be held accountable.

But Governor Brian Kemp’s proposed tort reform bill threatens to strip away those rights, making it harder for victims to hold negligent businesses, property owners, and corporations accountable. This legislation is being sold as a way to reduce “frivolous lawsuits” and lower insurance premiums, but in reality, it’s a giveaway to insurance companies and corporate interests at the expense of real people.

As attorneys who represent those harmed by negligence, we strongly oppose this bill—and here’s why you should too.

1. This Bill Will Harm Victims of Violent Crimes

One of the most concerning aspects of Kemp’s proposal is how it impacts victims of violent crimes, particularly sex trafficking survivors who have used civil lawsuits to hold businesses accountable for negligence.

Under the new law, hotels, motels, and other businesses would be shielded from many lawsuits brought by victims of sex trafficking who suffered due to their failure to provide adequate security or intervene when signs of trafficking were present.

Sex trafficking survivors have already testified against the bill, warning lawmakers that it will block victims from seeking justice and make it nearly impossible to hold complicit businesses accountable. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

By making it harder for victims to file lawsuits, this bill removes one of the strongest deterrents for businesses that ignore safety concerns and profit while people suffer.

2. It Protects Corporations, Not People

Kemp’s bill is being promoted as a way to make Georgia more “business-friendly.” But what that really means is protecting businesses from liability at the expense of the public’s safety.

The legislation would significantly weaken premises liability laws, making it harder for victims to sue property owners who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes.

For example, if an apartment complex ignored repeated complaints about inadequate lighting and security, and a resident was assaulted as a result, this bill would make it harder for that victim to hold the property owner responsible.

The current legal system ensures that businesses take public safety seriously. If this bill passes, the message to business owners is clear: profits come before people. (Georgia Recorder)

3. It Slashes Compensation for Injured Georgians

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or due to medical malpractice, you may already know how devastating medical costs can be.

Under the new bill, victims would only be able to recover the amount paid for their medical bills, not the full amount billed by hospitals and providers.

Why does this matter? Because in many cases, insurance companies negotiate lower rates with hospitals, meaning the victim may not be able to recover the full value of their care—leaving them to cover expenses out of pocket.

This awards the at fault party for the health insurance premiums paid by the injured party. This essentially amounts to premium theft and ultimately benefits the insurance companies whose goal is to pay as little as possible on each claim.

This change primarily benefits insurance companies, while leaving injured Georgians struggling to afford continued care. (Alston & Bird)

4. It Won’t Lower Insurance Premiums—Just Corporate Payouts

Supporters claim that tort reform will lower insurance costs for businesses and individuals. But history shows otherwise.

• In states that have passed similar tort reforms, there has been little to no reduction in insurance premiums.
• Instead, insurance companies have used the changes to increase their profits while continuing to raise rates on consumers.
• If lawmakers were truly concerned about lowering insurance costs, they would require insurance companies to prove that these legal changes lead to lower premiums.

But they don’t—because this bill is about protecting big business, not helping everyday Georgians. (AP News)

5. It Encourages Negligence and Makes Georgia Less Safe

Laws that allow victims to hold businesses accountable make our communities safer.

• Hotels that know they can be sued for sex trafficking take security seriously.
• Landlords who fear lawsuits make sure stairwells are properly maintained.
• Trucking companies that know they’ll be held accountable for reckless drivers take safety precautions.

By making it harder to sue for negligence, Kemp’s bill removes a powerful incentive for businesses to act responsibly. The result? More dangerous conditions, more preventable injuries, and fewer consequences for those responsible.

What Can You Do? Stand Up for Victims’ Rights

This bill does not protect you—it protects corporations and insurance companies at your expense.

At Jarrett & Price, we believe every Georgian deserves the right to seek justice when they have been wronged. We stand with victims of personal injury, violent crimes, and corporate negligence, and we will continue to fight against any law that weakens their ability to seek justice.

Here’s what you can do:
✅ Contact your state legislators and tell them to vote NO on Kemp’s tort reform bill.
✅ Share this post to spread awareness.
✅ If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation.