Exploring Georgia’s Llama Liability Law
While Georgia has its share of llama and alpaca (a close cousin) farms and rescues, there isn’t a booming llama-related industry, so it’s not entirely clear why Georgia has a llama liability law on its books. Nevertheless, sections 4-12-2 and 4-12-3 of the state code provide that all “llama activity sponsors” and “llama professionals” are not liable for injuries participants incur while “engaging in a llama activity.”
What exactly is a llama activity?
Turns out, there are several. Engaging in a llama activity could mean you are riding a llama, training a llama, transporting something via the llama, or providing medical attention to the llama. You’re also an active participant if you’re assisting in any of the previous activities, according to the code.
The code also covers the more common equine activity, which applies to horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys — all of which have a stronger reputation, in North American culture, at least, for being ridden or used as pack animals. Yet aside from llamas and equine, no other such groups of animals are designated in the code, so it remains a mystery precisely why llamas, in particular, are on the books.
Your chances of encountering a llama in Georgia may be slim, but it’s not an impossibility,” said Marietta accident lawyer Ramiro Rodriguez, Jr.
In 2017, an escaped llama in Oconee Country outside Athens received national attention. Misidentified by a witness as a “baby camel,” the llama was later found roaming the streets by police roaming and returned to her owners. No llamas were ridden, and no one was hurt in the incident, which is no real surprise. While they are known to occasionally spit at passersby, llamas are generally affectionate and gentle creatures.
The team at GA Injury Advocates wants the best for our clients, so our advice is to steer clear of any llama-riding adventures while this law is on the books! If you get hurt while “engaging in a llama activity,” remember that the law is in the llama’s favor! But if you find yourself the victim of more common accidents, like a vehicle collision, know that the skilled legal professionals at GA Injury Advocates are here to represent you.
Request a consultation with us by calling (770) 766-0555 or by contacting us here. Hablamos español.
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