Disaster, Litigation, and the Corrosive Community
2004; Oxford University Press; Volume: 82; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/sof.2004.0091
ISSN1534-7605
AutoresJ. Steven Picou, Brent K. Marshall, Duane A. Gill,
Tópico(s)Risk and Safety Analysis
ResumoDisaster researchers have debated the utility of distinguishing "natural" from "technological" catastrophes. We suggest that litigation serves as a source of chronic stress for victims of human-caused disasters involved in court deliberations for damages. Data from the Exxon Valdez oil spill are used to evaluate a social structural model of disaster impacts three and one-half years after the event. Results suggest that the status of litigant and litigation stress serve as prominent sources of perceived community damage and event-related psychological stress. We conclude that litigation is a critical characteristic of technological disasters that precludes timely community recovery and promotes chronic social and psychological impacts. Suggestions for alternatives to litigation are provided.
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