Georgia Commerce Gets Protection from Coronavirus Suits
The effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic are still rippling throughout commerce, and the state of Georgia is leading the way in shielding businesses and even healthcare providers from any possible liability due to customers or consumers becoming infected while on premises. The Georgia COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act (GCPBSA) is the first in the nation at the state level to ensure that the financial concerns of business owners take precedence over consumer rights regarding Covid-19 so that businesses now have the highest degree of legal protection the state can offer against lawsuits related to coronavirus infection, injury, or death.
In the simplest terms, the GCPBSA says that any consumer who even thinks about bringing a civil case against a business in Georgia related to coronavirus was ultimately responsible for their own risk and should have considered the risk before entering the place of business. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff to show they did not assume the risk. And while the law isn’t completely watertight against every possible kind of Covid-19-related litigation, it does afford an extraordinary amount of protection to most businesses operating within the state of Georgia.
So how do Georgia businesses enact this liability protection for themselves? It starts with ensuring that your customers, employees, and guests all see the essential warning language posted at the entrances to your business in at least 10-point Arial type:
Warning: Under Georgia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19. You are assuming this risk by entering these premises.
And for those businesses that issue receipts or proof of purchase for entry, an additional warning must be provided, also in at least 10-point Arial type:
Any person entering the premises waives all civil liability against this premises owner and operator for any injuries caused by the inherent risk associated with contracting COVID-19 at public gatherings, except for gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm, by the individual or entity of the premises.
As you may know, the Phase 3 Marketing and Communications headquarters office is located in Atlanta, Georgia. We have been following the development of this story from the beginning, and are prepared to help our neighbors across the state adjust to the new regulations and rapidly design, manufacture, and install the signage they need to enact their liability protection.
As experts in substrates, we can ensure that your outdoor signage is visible and durable, while your indoor signage fulfills the mission in a brand-friendly way that properly informs customers without washing away your warm welcome. We can help you avoid the pitfalls and create signage that works for everyone. Ready to take the next step? We’re here to help. And Phase 3 is also a partner for schools and educational facilities, with numerous options and resources available to help keep students and faculty as safe as possible.