P/L/48. Dissertation. Compensation culture in the UK

The paper looks at a recent social phenomenon known in the UK as 'compensation culture' - a willingness of individuals to sue others. It relates to compensation claims that stem from the law of negligence. Types of compensation claims are outlined with the focus on personal injuries; background information about their legal aspects is provided with the focus on Conditional Fee Arrangements (CFA ) and After The Event (ATE) insurance. The paper reviews the actions of Claims Management and Accident Management Companies as well as those of the media and advertising in promoting compensation culture. The conclusions are drawn on the basis of statistical data and public questionnaires about the general change in attitude to claiming that is taking place in todays society. The positions of the government and local authorities are outlined. The case study of a fictitious MR.X is examined. The author compares the situation in Great Britain with that in the USA and makes forecasts about the future of the compensation culture in Britain and its impact on the insurance industry.