Damage limitation.

Insurers and reinsurers are spending more money and resources on legal services and advice than before. More companies are being sued or getting embroiled in legal disputes. In 2002, the U.S. civil liability system cost the country $233bn, an increase of $27.4bn over its cost in 2001. According to actuarial consulting firm Tillinghast, tort costs accounted for 2.2% of the nation's gross domestic product of $10.45 trillion in 2002, compared with 1.4% in 1970 and only 0.6% in 1950. Litigiousness is not only increasing in the U.S. It is also on the rise in Europe. INSETS: Other firms mentioned;The top performers;Company profiles.