MEDICO-LEGAL CHALLENGES FOR CRITICAL-CARE PHYSICIANS AND ICUs/ICCUs © Dr. Lalit Kapoor In recent times, a rise in the incidence of malpractice litigation against critical care physicians is perceptible. Hence, it is appropriate to identify the medico-legal challenges faced by practitioners of critical care Medicine and ICU set-ups. What is it that makes intensive care physicians somewhat more vulnerable to medico-legal problems? Intensive care units treat seriously ill patients. In spite of ‘intensive’ care and best efforts of the team, morbidity and mortality rate is high compared to other units. Considering the complexity of the critical illnesses and the highly invasive interventions that are routinely carried out, one can easily explain the higher morbidity and mortality. Reportedly, the average mortality rate is 30 % -- considerably more than the average risk. American statistics reveal that 1 out of 5 Americans will die in an ICU. Figures for our c...