What does it mean when a Georgia jury ‘apportions fault’ to a non-party?

What does it mean when a Georgia jury ‘apportions fault’ to a non-party?

Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33(c), juries must consider the fault of all persons who contributed to an injury, whether or not they are named defendants. Fault assigned to non-parties reduces the defendants’ proportional liability but does not create liability for those non-parties. Defendants use this strategically to reduce their exposure.