2008The New Palgrave Dictionary of EconomicsOpen access

Liability for Accidents

Steven Shavell

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Abstract

Legal liability for accidents determines the circumstances under which injurers must compensate victims for harm. The effects of liability on incentives to reduce risk, on risk-bearing and insurance (both direct coverage for victims and liability coverage for injurers), and on administrative expenses are considered. Liability is also compared with other methods of controlling harmful activities, notably, with regulation and corrective taxation.

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Legal liability for accidents determines the circumstances under which injurers must compensate victims for harm. The effects of liability on incentives to reduce risk, on risk-bearing and insurance (both direct coverage for victims and liability coverage for injurers), and on administrative expenses are considered. Liability is also compared with other methods of controlling harmful activities, notably, with regulation and corrective taxation.

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Available abstract

Legal liability for accidents determines the circumstances under which injurers must compensate victims for harm. The effects of liability on incentives to reduce risk, on risk-bearing and insurance (both direct coverage for victims and liability coverage for injurers), and on administrative expenses are considered. Liability is also compared with other methods of controlling harmful activities, notably, with regulation and corrective taxation.

Key concepts: Punitive damages, Liability, Liability insurance, Strict liability, Business, Actuarial science, Harm, Accident (philosophy)

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