1. The U.S. Liability System: Background and Trends 1
The Changing Function of Tort Law 3
Compensation through Tort Law: Blessing or Curse? 11
Outline of the Book and Key Conclusions 14
2. Economic Aspects of Liability Rules and Liability Insurance 16
A Simple Model of Liability 16
Liability Rules 19
Liability Theory and Liability Issues 29
Final Comments 34
Appendix: Mathematical Derivations 34
3. Prices and Profits in the Liability Insurance Market 42
Overview of the Market 43
Overview of Financial Results 49
Errors in Estimating Reserves 53
Disputes about Profitability 59
Growth in Premiums and Losses 67
Causes of Underwriting Cycles 77
Premium Increases for General Liability Insurance 82
Policy Implications 89
Appendix A: Profit Measurement 91
Appendix B: Calculation of Break-Even Prices 96
4. Medical Malpractice Liability 101
Trends in Claims and Premiums 102
Costs and Benefits of the Tort System 110
Alternative Institutional Arrangements 121
Conclusion 126
5. Environmental Hazards and Liability Law 128
Origins of Environmental Liability Law 129
New Science, New Sociology, and the Legal System 131
The Diffusion of Environmental Liability 132
Legislative Initiatives 139
Linking Cause and Effect 141
Judgment without Verdict 144
Insurers Depart 146
Options 147
Conclusion 153
6. Liability for Occupational Accidents and Illnesses 155
Policy Objectives and Instruments 155
The Role of the Market 158
Direct Regulation of Risk 161
Workers' Compensation 164
Civil Liability Litigation 171
Toxic Tort Compensation Schemes 180
Conclusion 183
7. Products Liability Law and the Accident Rate 184
Trends in Products Liability Litigation and Accident Rates 187
The Economic Argument for Strict Products Liability 194
Reforming Products Liability Law 207
The Stakes in Products Liability Law 222
8. Policy Options 223
Modifying Insurance Regulation 224
Tort Reforms 227
Alternative Compensation Mechanisms 238
Conclusion 240