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GA SB413
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/24/2014
Primary Sponsor
Joshua McKoon
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AI Summary
- Abolishes the common law "fireman's rule" in Georgia (established in Ingram v. Peachtree South, Ltd., 1987), which previously barred police officers, firefighters, and other professional rescuers from recovering damages for injuries sustained in the course of their duties, even when caused by another party's negligence
- Allows emergency responders injured, sickened, or killed in the line of duty to recover damages against any person or entity (other than their employer or co-employee) whose neglect, willful omission, or willful or culpable conduct directly or indirectly contributed to the harm
- Defines "emergency responder" broadly to include emergency medical technicians, firefighters, first responders, paramedics, and peace officers (encompassing state, local, and correctional law enforcement personnel)
- Grants emergency responders who enter private land to carry out official duties the legal status of "invitee," requiring property owners to exercise ordinary care in keeping premises and approaches safe
- Amends Title 51 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (Code Sections 51-1-30 and 51-3-1), sponsored by Senators McKoon (29th) and Albers (56th)
Legislative Description
Torts; define certain terms; emergency responder who is injured or killed in the line of duty; recover damages
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred
2/25/2014
Full Bill Text
No bill text available