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Injurers versus Victims: (A)Symmetric Reactions to Symmetric Risks

Author

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  • Guerra Alice

    (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Via Angherà 22, 47921, Rimini, Italy)

  • Parisi Francesco

    (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Tort models assume symmetry in the behavior of injurers and victims when faced by a threat of liability and a risk of harm without compensation, respectively. This assumption has never been empirically validated. Using a novel experimental design, we study the behavior of injurers and victims when facing symmetric accident risks. Experimental results provide qualified support for the symmetric behavior hypothesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Guerra Alice & Parisi Francesco, 2022. "Injurers versus Victims: (A)Symmetric Reactions to Symmetric Risks," The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 22(2), pages 603-620, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejtec:v:22:y:2022:i:2:p:603-620:n:8
    DOI: 10.1515/bejte-2020-0101
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Florian Baumann & Tim Friehe & Pascal Langenbach, 2020. "Fines versus Damages: Experimental Evidence on Care Investments," Discussion Paper Series of the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods 2020_08, Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods, revised Mar 2024.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    precautions; tort theory; laboratory experiment; K13; C91;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K13 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Tort Law and Product Liability; Forensic Economics
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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