Section 46-8-290. Liability of railroad companies and their officers, agents, and employees for injuries to individuals and for damage or destruction of property generally

   In all cases where an individual is injured, or his property damaged or destroyed, by the carelessness, negligence, or improper conduct of any railroad company or an officer, agent, or employee of such company, in or by the running of the cars or engines of the company, such company shall be liable to pay damages to anyone whose person or property may be so injured, damaged, or destroyed, notwithstanding any bylaws, rules, regulations, or notices which may be made, passed, or given by such company and which purport to limit the company's liability.

Ga. L. 1855-56, p. 154, § 2; Code 1863, § 3280; Code 1868, § 3292; Code 1873, § 3368; Code 1882, § 3368; Civil Code 1895, § 2320; Civil Code 1910, § 2779; Code 1933, § 94-702.