Citation

Whincup M. J. Consum. Policy 1984; 7(4): 497-504.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/BF00380243

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Compensation for accident victims is handled by tort law unless specific insurance or compensation schemes exist. Tort law has proved to be unjust, costly, and protracted. Strict liability will not change the basic deficiencies of the tort system.

New Zealand has introduced a comprehensive compensation scheme for personal accidents including workplace, traffic, and household. The author gives some details of the functioning of the system which he regards as both efficient and just. Even though there may be some points of dispute (lump sum payments, ceilings, etc.), the scheme should be considered for introduction in other countries - though recently rejected in England by the Pearson Report.