Might not public liability insurance be inducing litigation?

Presumably it is easier to demand large payouts from big insurance corporations than from individuals and community groups. Would a judge be as inclined to award large damages claims that would curtail a bush fire service, ruin a local kindergarten, or force medical practitioners out of business?

The easiest reform would be to cap the maximum insurance payout. This would require judges to give greater consideration to the broader social cost of their decisions.

Published in the Age, 2 June 2002