If you’ve been injured in an accident, getting the compensation you deserve is already an uphill battle. However, a proposed law here in Georgia, SB 68, threatens to make it much more difficult. If this bill passes, accident victims could face extreme difficulties in recovering damages for their pain, suffering, and medical expenses—potentially even struggling to access necessary medical treatment.
I fight every day for victims who have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence. And I can tell you—this bill is a gift to insurance companies and big businesses at the expense of the people who need help the most.
What SB68 Means for Accident Victims
Caps on Non-Economic Damages – The bill severely restricts how attorneys can argue for non-economic damages, which cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life. It prevents lawyers from suggesting any monetary value for these damages until the very end of the trial, limiting the jury’s ability to fully consider them. This means victims could receive far less than they deserve (Section 1, Code § 9-10-184).
Restrictions on Medical Expense Recovery – The bill limits the amount of medical expenses victims can claim in court. If you have health insurance, your compensation could be restricted to the amount insurance companies are willing to pay, NOT what your care actually costs. That means more out-of-pocket expenses for victims and a win for insurers (Section 7, Code § 51-12-1.1).
Delays and Roadblocks in the Legal Process – The bill introduces procedural hurdles, such as automatic stays on discovery when defendants file motions to dismiss. This means insurance companies and corporations can delay cases for up to 90 days before victims can even start gathering evidence. This tactic benefits defendants by dragging out cases and making it harder for injured victims to get justice (Section 2, Code § 9-11-12(j)).
Increased Burden of Proof in Negligent Security Cases – If you’re injured on someone else’s property due to negligent security (like an attack at an apartment complex), you’ll have to clear nearly impossible legal hurdles to hold the property owner accountable. This bill makes it far easier for negligent property owners to escape liability, leaving victims without recourse (Section 6, Code §§ 51-3-50 to 51-3-57).
Blaming the Victim for Not Wearing a Seatbelt – Right now, failing to wear a seatbelt can’t be used to deny an injury claim. But under this bill, insurance companies and defense attorneys can use it against you in court to slash your compensation—even if the accident wasn’t your fault (Section 5, Code § 40-8-76.1(d)).
Who Wins? The Insurance Companies. Who Loses? You.
This bill isn’t about fairness. This is a direct attack on the rights of all citizens of Georgia. It’s about protecting insurance companies and big corporations from paying out legitimate claims. It’s about making it harder for accident victims to recover—not because they don’t deserve compensation, but because these industries want to protect their profits.
If this law passes, it will be an absolute disaster for Georgia accident victims and their families. The legal system should protect people—not make it harder for them to get justice.
At Ted Law Firm, we’re dedicated to fighting for injured victims. If you’re concerned about this bill, let your voice be heard. Contact your representatives and tell them to stand up for accident victims, not insurance companies. And if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, Call Ted Instead.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
