Seyfarth Files Georgia Supreme Court Amicus Brief in Premises Liability Case

On January 10, 2022, Seyfarth Litigation partners Rebecca Woods and Esther McDonald filed an amicus brief, on behalf of The Retail Litigation Center (RLC) and the National Retail Federation (NRF), asking the Georgia Supreme Court to address the state’s latest 8-figure premises liability case.

Late last year, the Georgia Court of Appeals issued a ruling in Georgia CVS Pharmacy, LLC v. Carmichael, No. A21A0677 that raises serious concerns for businesses of all kinds, including small and family-owned businesses, and even charitable entities. The decision paves the way for what will amount to strict liability for premises owners, including for crimes perpetrated in parking lots by noncustomers who are unknown to the premises holder. The decision also effectively shifts the important work of local policing to premises owners, to the detriment of the communities in which those businesses operate. You can read the full amicus brief here.

Directed by the chief legal officers of the country's leading retail companies, RLC is the only organization dedicated to advocating for the industry's top priorities in the federal and state judiciary. The RLC also works with leading law firms and retail corporate counsel to develop forward-thinking strategies to combat meritless mass action litigation.

The NRF, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring, and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.