Poisoned Chalice? A Critical Analysis of the Evidence Linking Personal Injury Compensation Processes with Adverse Health Outcomes

22 Pages Posted: 11 Dec 2009 Last revised: 25 Aug 2010

See all articles by Genevieve Grant

Genevieve Grant

Monash University - Faculty of Law

David M. Studdert

University of Melbourne - Faculty of Law & Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Date Written: December 8, 2009

Abstract

Do injured persons whose injuries are potentially eligible for compensation under social insurance schemes experience worse health outcomes and slower recoveries in the medium-to long-term than persons with similar injuries that are not covered by compensation schemes? Epidemiologists and health services researchers have probed that question since the 1970s, but interest in it has accelerated sharply in the last decade. A substantial empirical literature now exists to support the existence of a link between compensation status and health outcomes. A strand of that literature specifically implicates the role of compensation processes, lawyers and adversarialism in producing or perpetuating ill health among claimants.

This article critically reviews research into the compensation-health relationship. Systematic methodological weaknesses are identified – in particular, an inability to come to grips with the legal contours and realities of compensation processes. We conclude that, although there are important gaps in the evidence, profound questions about the impact of compensation processes on claimants’ health have been placed on the table. Legal professionals and policymakers must take these questions seriously. The involvement of legal scholars in multidisciplinary research may improve the quality of the evidence base and facilitate appropriate policy interventions.

Keywords: health compensation, insurance, injury claims

JEL Classification: K00, K39, K49, I18, I19

Suggested Citation

Grant, Genevieve M. and Studdert, David M., Poisoned Chalice? A Critical Analysis of the Evidence Linking Personal Injury Compensation Processes with Adverse Health Outcomes (December 8, 2009). Melbourne Univeristy Law Review, Volume 33, Issue 3, 2009, U of Melbourne Legal Studies Research Paper No. 442, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1520788

Genevieve M. Grant (Contact Author)

Monash University - Faculty of Law ( email )

Wellington Road
Clayton, Victoria 3800
Australia

David M. Studdert

University of Melbourne - Faculty of Law & Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences ( email )

185 Pelham Street
Carlton, Victoria 3053
Australia

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
277
Abstract Views
2,656
Rank
199,893
PlumX Metrics