The scope and frequency of catastrophes, natural or man-made, are mounting. In 2008, more than 240,500 fatalities were counted, due to 311 natural catastrophes and man-made disasters. These numbers are unprecedented.
It is to be expected that a mounting number of victims will look for financial compensation in the aftermath of future catastrophes. As the author of this ground-breaking book points out, there are as many sets of compensation mechanisms as there are countries.
In a prodigious move to remedy this situation, she examines whether it is possible to find a combination of compensation mechanisms (i.e., a compensation model) that provides the most comprehensive and efficient financial solution for the victims of a natural catastrophe, a large-scale terrorist attack, and/or a man-made disaster – and, if so, what such a program would look like. In the process she deals exhaustively with such elements as the following:-
This comparison of real world solutions allows her to explain why each is inefficient and to define real and necessary conditions for policy change. This book shows that amelioration of the current compensation solutions for disaster victims is indeed a possibility. In a heated yet often poorly informed debate, it offers clarity and insights regarding the financial compensation for victims of catastrophes which, in addition to raising academic interest, are certain to help build a framework for future policymakers and lawmakers faced with shaping compensation programs for catastrophe victims.