An overwhelming 96% of those questioned believed people were more likely to seek damages payments today than they were 10 years ago.

Three-quarters of adults said they were worried about the impact of the "blame and claim" culture.

However, 21% of people said they would lodge a claim whenever they could.

Younger respondents among the 1,000 British adults questioned were keener on making claims, according to the survey.

"Whilst it is excellent that over the years we have increased access to justice we have to exercise those rights with responsibility, acknowledging the consequences of our actions," said David Hooker, director of claims at Norwich Union.

Roughly �10bn is paid out in UK compensation claims every year, including about �900m from NHS coffers, according to the Institute of Actuaries.