Georgia’s recently passed tort reform bills have sparked a mix of optimism and concern among both insurers and consumers. While the legislation is expected to improve personal as well as business insurance rates in the Peach State, the benefits of these changes won’t happen overnight.
The good news is Georgians will likely experience relief in less time than their neighbors in Florida, where, even two years since a historic tort reform package was signed into law, insurance rates are just now beginning to level off and even decrease in the Sunshine State.
Georgians will feel relief sooner because state lawmakers learned to tie the effectiveness of the reform legislation to the claim date, thus curbing the potential for billboard attorneys to game the system by jamming more cases into the system. But alas, for its years of having the unfortunate title of “Judicial Hellhole,” there remains an abundance of cases lingering in the Georgia court system, which analysts estimate will continue to drive up costs for as long as 18 months.
Step in the right direction
Recently passed tort reform legislation is a step in the right direction and aims to address the rampant legal system abuse that has plagued Georgia for years. With the rise of billboard attorneys who aggressively market their services, the number of frivolous lawsuits has soared, driving up costs for insurers and, consequently, consumers.
These jackpot trial attorneys, often more concerned with volume than justice, have created an environment where the threat of litigation hangs over businesses and individuals alike, leading to skyrocketing insurance rates for personal auto, home and commercial policies.
Lingering issue of anchoring
Despite the positive aspects of Georgia reform legislation, it has not addressed all cost-driving practices used by plaintiff attorneys. One significant oversight is the practice of anchoring. Anchoring is when attorneys set a high initial claim amount, which can psychologically influence judges and juries, leading them to award astronomically larger settlements. This tactic inflates the costs of litigation and, ultimately, insurance premiums.
By failing to tackle anchoring during the 2025 Georgia General Assembly, the newly passed tort reform measures leave a significant loophole that can continue to drive up costs. Billboard attorneys, adept at exploiting such gaps, can still leverage this strategy to secure higher payouts, undermining the intended benefits of the new reform legislation.
As Georgians await what will undoubtedly be positive economic results, it is imperative for citizens and policymakers to monitor the implementation of the reforms closely and advocate for further measures that address remaining cost-driving practices, such as anchoring. Only by continuing to improve the system can Georgia hope to achieve a fair and sustainable balance that benefits both insurers and consumers.
While recent reform actions in Georgia should be applauded, the fight against legal system abuse and inflated insurance costs isn’t over. The road to lower insurance rates takes time and requires vigilance.
While some practices remain unchecked, the reforms provide a foundation upon which further improvements can be made. By addressing these remaining issues, Georgia can pave the way for a more equitable legal landscape that safeguards the interests of all its residents.
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
