New Year, New Laws: Changes in Personal Injury Legislation for 2025
Laws are constantly evolving due to legislative action and changes to case law. Keeping track of these changes and understanding how they might impact your personal injury case can be a challenge without guidance from an experienced attorney.
As 2024 comes to a close, there are some legislative adjustments that people in Georgia and Illinois should be aware of.
Georgia’s Ongoing Tort Reform Battle
Tort reform has been one of Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities for multiple years. No significant changes are set to go into effect in 2025 as of now, but Governor Kemp has stated that legislative efforts on tort reform issues would continue into the new year. Lawmakers in Georgia have mentioned potentially setting their sights on topics like premises liability claims and damage caps for personal injury cases.
Specifically, new laws may involve placing a cap on the amount of non-economic damages an injured plaintiff can recover and limiting business owners’ liability for certain premise liability claims. If such laws are passed in Georgia, they would have a tremendous impact on injury accident victims and their ability to pursue claims and recover compensation.
Illinois and 2025 Traffic Law Changes
Laws targeted specifically at amending or updating tort issues are not the only way that a personal injury case can be affected. Illinois has numerous laws going into effect on January 1, 2025, and there are multiple traffic law changes that could impact car accident claims going forward.
Among the new traffic laws that will be effective at the beginning of 2025 are the bills listed below.
SB3202
This gives local governments the authority to implement bicycle transportation plans. It can change the way bicyclists are allowed to ride throughout a county or city, which has the potential to affect the outcome of personal injury claims related to bicycle accidents. If you are a bicyclist, it’s a good idea to check your local plan to ensure you remain compliant with traffic laws related to bike transportation.
HB5408
This bill prohibits motorists from parking or stopping on the shoulders of any highways within a half-mile of Chicago O’Hare airport’s eastern entrance. Accidents that occur as a result of someone violating this new law could impact liability in personal injury claims in Illinois.
Medical malpractice claims and products liability claims in Illinois may also be affected by 2025 legislation, such as HB2363 and HB3521. HB2363 bans the sale of certain fluorescent lamps, and HB3521 provides protection from abuse by hospital affiliates rather than just hospitals.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Regarding Changes That Could Affect You
If you have a pending or upcoming personal injury case in Georgia or Illinois, including a car accident claim, medical malpractice lawsuit, or products liability claim, contact The CP Law Group. We can explain how changes in state law could change the process or outcome of your claim. Call us at 844-546-4878 (that’s 844-5-IM-HURT) or reach out on social media to @TheCPLawGroup to schedule a free consultation.