NFIB State Director Nathan Humphrey released the following statement in response to the American Tort Reform Foundation’s annual “Judicial Hellhole” report, released today. Georgia rose to No. 3, its highest-ever ranking on the list:
“The hidden costs of Georgia’s legal climate are hurting small business owners. Small business owners deserve a legal system that is fair for everyone, but Georgia’s Supreme Court has gradually expanded civil liability, creating an environment that favors plaintiffs at the expense of small businesses and other defendants.
“Small businesses are especially vulnerable to frivolous claims and so-called ‘nuclear’ verdicts. They don’t have teams of lawyers on standby. The cost of defending itself against a single claim can break a small business, even if the claim is eventually thrown out of court.
“Small business owners now more than ever deserve relief, and it is our hope the General Assembly will look at addressing this important issue during this upcoming session.”
