Injurers versus victims: (a)symmetric reactions to symmetric risks (Q2690361)

The current paper tests one of the core theoretical predictions of tort models, namely that injurers and victims are expected to have symmetric reactions to symmetric accident risks (i.e. making identical precaution investments). The authors use a novel experimental framework to evaluate individuals' precaution choices in the lab. The paper results provide qualified support for the symmetric behavior hypothesis, laying empirical foundations for the prediction generated by the economic models of tort law.