Section 13-8-40. Damages recoverable for injuries sustained by violations of article; class actions; punitive damages

   (a) In addition to temporary or permanent injunctive relief as provided in subparagraph (c)(3)(A) of Code Section 13-8-35, any person who shall be injured in his business or property by reason of anything forbidden in this article may bring an action therefor in the appropriate superior court of this state and shall recover the actual damages sustained and the costs of such action, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

(b) When such action is one of common or general interest to many persons or when the parties are numerous and it is impracticable to bring them all before the court, one or more may bring a class action for the benefit of the whole, including actions for injunctive relief.

(c) In an action for money damages, if the jury finds that the defendant acted maliciously, the jury may award punitive damages as permitted by Georgia law.

Code 1981, § 13-8-40, enacted by Ga. L. 1993, p. 1585, § 4.