Georgia § 51-12-4 - Damages given as compensation for injury; measure of damages generally; nominal damages.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-12-4 — Damages given as compensation for injury; measure of damages generally; nominal damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51-12-4. Damages given as compensation for injury; measure of damages generally; nominal damages.
Damages are given as compensation for injury; generally, such compensation is the measure of damages where an injury is of a character capable of being estimated in money. If an injury is small or the mitigating circumstances are strong, nominal damages only are given. (Orig. Code 1863, § 2997; Code 1868, § 3010; Code 1873, § 3065; Code 1882, § 3065; Civil Code 1895, § 3905; Civil Code 1910, § 4502; Code 1933, § 105-2001.) Law reviews. - For article, "The Torok Tort: Recovery for Abusive Litigation," see 23 Ga. St. B. J. 84 (1987). For article, "Pre-Impact Pain and Suffering," see 26 Ga. St. B. J. 60 (1989). For article, "The Discount Rate in Georgia Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Damage Calculations," see 13 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 431 (1997). For annual survey of product liability law, see 58 Mercer L. Rev. 313 (2006). For article, "The Experiential Future of the Law," see 60 Emory L.J. 585 (2011). For note, "A Single Symbolic Dollar: How Nominal Damages Can Keep Lawsuits Alive," see 52 Ga. L. Rev. 935 (2018). For comment on Burnett v. Western & A.R.R., 79 Ga. App. 530 , 54 S.E.2d 357 (1949), see 12 Ga. B. J. 211 (1949). For comment on Padgett v. Williams, 82 Ga. App. 509 , 61 S.E.2d 676 (1950), see 13 Ga. B. J. 339 (1951).
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 51-12-4
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-12-4 cover?
Section 51-12-4 ("Damages given as compensation for injury; measure of damages generally; nominal damages.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 51-12-4?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-12-4" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 51-12-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.