Title
Disaster, litigation, and the corrosive community
Abbreviated Journal Title
Soc. Forces
Keywords
VALDEZ OIL-SPILL; WEATHERED CRUDE-OIL; TECHNOLOGICAL DISASTER; SOCIAL-ORGANIZATION; DAMAGE ASSESSMENT; FISH EMBRYOS; FIT INDEXES; STRESS; ACCIDENT; RISK; Sociology
Abstract
Disaster 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.
Journal Title
Social Forces
Volume
82
Issue/Number
4
Publication Date
1-1-2004
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
1493
Last Page
1522
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0037-7732
Recommended Citation
"Disaster, litigation, and the corrosive community" (2004). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 4708.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/4708
Comments
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