(a) Liens of all judgments obtained in actions for damages growing out of a common disaster or occurrence shall be equal in rank or priority regardless of the date of the rendition of the verdict or the entering of the judgment. However, this Code section shall apply only to judgments obtained in actions which are filed within 12 months from the date of the happening of the disaster or occurrence giving rise to the cause of action.

(b) This Code section applies to all actions filed in the courts of this state in which damages are sought to be recovered on account of injuries sustained in or death resulting from a common disaster or occurrence.