Introduction

This article examines Georgia statutes concerning general duty breach in the context of special event management and temporary structures.

Scenario

A festival organizer hosts an outdoor arts and crafts festival in Tattnall Square Park in Macon, Georgia. During the event, strong winds cause a vendor tent to collapse onto festival guests. Several people sustain injuries from the falling tent structure and merchandise. The tent was secured with minimal stakes despite weather forecasts predicting gusty conditions. The organizer had not required vendors to use professional-grade tent anchoring systems.

Georgia Law

Breach of Legal Duty

Georgia Code § 51-1-6: “When the law requires a person to perform an act for the benefit of another or to refrain from doing an act which may injure another, although no cause of action is given in express terms, the injured party may recover for the breach of such legal duty if he suffers damage thereby.”

General Negligence Standard

Georgia Code § 51-1-2: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Premises Liability

Georgia Code § 51-3-1: “Where an owner or occupier of land, by express or implied invitation, induces or leads others to come upon his premises for any lawful purpose, he is liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.”

Joint Tortfeasors

Georgia Code § 51-12-31: “Where an action is brought jointly against several trespassers, the plaintiff may recover damages for the greatest injury done by any of the defendants against all of them.”

Conclusion

The scenario describes guests injured by a collapsing vendor tent at a festival in Macon, Georgia. Georgia Code § 51-1-6 addresses breach of legal duty when damage occurs. Georgia Code § 51-1-2 establishes the general duty of care. These statutes establish the framework for festival organizer liability under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What does Georgia Code § 51-1-6 establish? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-6 allows recovery when “the law requires a person to perform an act for the benefit of another” and “the injured party may recover for the breach of such legal duty if he suffers damage thereby.”

Q: What general duty exists under Georgia Code § 51-1-2? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-2 states: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Q: What duty does Georgia Code § 51-3-1 impose on event organizers? A: Georgia Code § 51-3-1 creates liability “for injuries caused by his failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.”

Q: Where are general tort laws found in the Georgia Code? A: General tort laws are found in Georgia Code Title 51, Chapter 1.

Q: Does Georgia Code § 51-12-31 address multiple responsible parties? A: Georgia Code § 51-12-31 allows recovery “for the greatest injury done by any of the defendants against all of them.”

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, recommendation, or guidance. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. No actions should be taken based on the content of this article. For any specific legal matter, consult with a qualified and licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Scenario Disclaimer

The scenario described is entirely fictional and intended solely for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, events, or situations is purely coincidental.