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Asbestos Laws in Georgia

The state of Georgia waded into the asbestos litigation reform movement in 2005 when lawmakers elected to manage the state's asbestos case docket. Lawmakers adopted bills that formed strict new filing requirements for asbestos related cases, and the effect was immediate. Several pending cases were dismissed from Georgia state courts. For example, before the new laws were enacted, Fulton County State Court Judge Henry Newkirk heard a substantial portion of the state's asbestos lawsuits. After the new laws passed, Judge Newkirk's caseload fell dramatically in a year, from 1,200 to about a dozen.

At least part of the decline stemmed from the retroactive application of filing requirements to cases filed before the law was passed in 2005. Several plaintiffs in pending asbestos cases challenged the law. They had malignant conditions, such as mesothelioma, that they alleged were caused by occupational asbestos exposure. At the time they filed their lawsuits, they were only required to prove that asbestos exposure was a contributing factor to their illnesses. They later argued that the 2005 law was unconstitutional because it imposed a new requirement of proof that the alleged asbestos exposure was a "substantial contributing factor." In DaimlerChrysler Corp. v. Ferrante, 637 S.E.2d 659 (2006), the state's Supreme Court agreed and ruled that the law could not be applied retroactively.

Relatively new asbestos regulations are common in a handful of states. For more information about asbestos exposure and the resulting diseases and claims, fill out this form to get a free copy of the Mesothelioma Center's informational packet. The comprehensive packet also outlines treatments of mesothelioma and gives specific details about doctors, cancer centers, clinical trials and other topics related to asbestos and mesothelioma cancer.

Key Provisions of Georgia's Asbestos Laws

Following the state Supreme Court's ruling, Georgia enacted a revised version of the reform law on May 1, 2007. Georgia law currently includes the following key provisions:

Medical Criteria

Plaintiffs with nonmalignant conditions and asbestos-related cancers must provide prima facie evidence of physical impairment before trial in order to move forward with their lawsuits. Mesothelioma claimants are not required to provide further prima facie evidence of physical impairment.

Plaintiffs with asbestos cancers other than mesothelioma must provide a medical report by a qualified doctor, certifying that asbestos exposure was a substantial contributing factor to the diagnosed cancer. The report must also certify that other possible causes, such as smoking, were not the sole or most likely cause of the cancer.

Plaintiffs with nonmalignant conditions like asbestosis must also provide a medical report by a qualified doctor certifying that asbestos exposure was a substantial contributing factor. In addition, the report must also include verification that the doctor has reviewed detailed occupation, exposure, medical and smoking histories of the exposed person; verification that the exposed person has satisfied specific medical tests and requirements; and verification that at least 15 years have passed between exposure and diagnosis.

The revisions enacted in 2007 also clarified that claims accruing before April 12, 2005, when Georgia approved the first reform law, are not subject to the stricter "substantial contributing factor" requirement.

No discovery can take place until the required prima facie evidence has been established. Plaintiffs who fail to satisfy the medical criteria face dismissal of their cases without prejudice.

Georgia also attempts to limit the use of information obtained from mass asbestos screenings sponsored by personal injury lawyers to satisfy medical criteria. Medical reports submitted as prima facie evidence must be signed by qualified doctors who are not primarily legal consultants. Qualified doctors usually may not spend more than 35 percent of professional practice time as consultants or experts for lawsuits. In addition, their practices generally may not earn more than 50 percent of revenues from providing such services.

Limits on Who Can File Claims

As of May 1, 2007, asbestos lawsuits may only be filed by Georgia residents or people who were residents at the time of exposure.

Case Consolidation

Georgia state courts may not consolidate the cases of multiple asbestos claimants for trial without the consent of all parties.

Successor Liability

Georgia law limits successor liability to the fair market value of the total assets of a predecessor company at the time of merger or consolidation.

Evaluating Your Case

It is best to speak with a lawyer for advice on your individual circumstances. A mesothelioma attorney can help you trace your asbestos exposure and determine whether you can file a lawsuit in Georgia or another state. Please keep in mind that Georgia and other states limit the amount of time you have to file an asbestos lawsuit.
The Mesothelioma Center provides general information about asbestos-related diseases and legal issues. Click here to request a free informational packet. You may also call 1-800-615-2270 to speak with a Patient Advocate. They can answer general questions and help you find additional resources.

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