Section 33-54-8. Violations of chapter

   (a) Any violation of this chapter by an insurer shall be unfair trade practice subject to the provisions of Article 1 of Chapter 6 of this title, and a violation of this chapter by any other person shall be an unfair practice and shall be subject to the provisions of Part 2 of Article 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 10, the "Fair Business Practices Act of 1975." In addition, any individual who is harmed as a result of a violation of this chapter shall have a cause of action against the person whose violation caused the harm.

(b) Any insurer that is found in violation of the provisions of this chapter by a court of competent jurisdiction is liable to the individual injured by the violation in an amount equal to any actual damages suffered by the individual. In the alternative, the court may issue an order directing the insurer to provide accident and sickness insurance to the injured individual under the same terms and conditions as would have applied had the violation not occurred.

(c) The court shall award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to any individual who is successful in enforcing the provision of this chapter.

Code 1981, § 33-54-8, enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 1242, § 4.