In a major earthquake, damage to and in buildings can seriously disrupt the economy while causing losses to their contents, personal injury and death, and damage to surrounding areas. Liability is one of several mechanisms society relies upon to stimulate response to hazards such as earthquakes. This project will build on earlier research conducted by this organization on the liability of local governments and the private sector for earthquake hazards and losses. Since the research on local government liability was performed in 1978, much has occurred that may have clarified or modified conclusions on the probability of liability being imposed. The first objective of this project is to update the findings of that legal research using an analysis of statutory law, regulations and case precedents. A second objective is to determine the impact of increases of risk management programs and self-insurance on awareness of liability and earthquake hazard mitigation programs. A final objective is to disseminate the findings to increase understanding of liability.
