Complaints by defense lawyers and business groups about hefty verdicts and unfavorable rulings are nothing new, but plaintiffs lawyers are keeping an eye on a legislative committee that may spawn another round of "tort reform" legislation.

Fueled by reports of mega million-dollar verdicts, including from parts of the state that were considered relatively conservative and defense-friendly a few years ago, legislation was enacted to create the Study Committee on Reducing Georgia's Cost of Doing Business. The committee is tasked with tackling legal obstacles that "threaten families, small and large businesses, economic development and all Georgia consumers," and to "fully review and study the issue of Georgia's legal climate and its impact on the cost of doing business and performing healthcare services in Georgia."