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Litigation Stress in Medical Practice: An Invisible Occupational Hazard from fear to preparedness in medico-legal challenges

Vivekanshu Verma, Promod Kumar Kohli, Sanjay Narula

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Indian Journal of Legal Medicine 05(01):p 65-74, JAN-JUNE 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijlm.2348.9987.5126.6

How Cite This Article:

Promod Kumar Kohli, Sanjay Narula, Vivekanshu Verma. Litigation Stress in Medical Practice: An Invisible Occupational Hazard from fear to preparedness in medico-legal challenges. Indi J of Legal Medi. 2026; 5(1): 65–74

Timeline

Received : January 06, 2026         Accepted : February 05, 2026          Published : June 30, 2026

Abstract

Litigation against medical professionals has increased globally, contributing to significant psychological distress among doctors. Even the anticipationof legal action whether through consumer courts, civil or criminal proceedings, or professional regulatory bodies can evoke fear, anxiety, and impaired professional functioning. This phenomenon, referred to as litigation stress, affects clinical decision-making, job satisfaction, and overall mental health. This article examines the nature of litigation stress, identifies its key psychological andsystemiccontributors, and outlines evidence-based strategies for prevention and effective coping when litigation occurs. Emphasis is placed on medico-legal literacy, institutional support, emotional resilience, and structured response mechanisms to mitigate the adverse impact of legal stress on medical professionals.

References

  • 1.   Madan R, Das N, Patley R, Nagpal N, Malik Y, Math SB. Consequences of medical negligence and litigations on health care providers: A narrative review. Indian J Psychiatry; 2024;66:317-25.
  • 2.   Louise B Andrew; Litigation Stress; https:// www.black- bile.com/resources/eMedicine Litigation+Stress.pdf
  • 3.   Srimad Bhagavad Gita all 700 Shlokas their Translations, Key Teachings, and Themes; The Science of Self-Management Gita’s Way; https://onlinegita.com/srimad-bhagavadgita-all-700-shlokas-translations-keyteachings-and-themes/#gsc.tab=0.
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Data Sharing Statement

There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.

Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in this work.

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Cite this article

Promod Kumar Kohli, Sanjay Narula, Vivekanshu Verma. Litigation Stress in Medical Practice: An Invisible Occupational Hazard from fear to preparedness in medico-legal challenges. Indi J of Legal Medi. 2026; 5(1): 65–74

Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator

Received Accepted Published
January 06, 2026 February 05, 2026 June 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijlm.2348.9987.5126.6

Keywords

Litigation StressMedico-Legal StressPhysician Mental HealthMalpractice AnxietyDefensive MedicineResilience

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Timeline

Received January 06, 2026
Accepted February 05, 2026
Published June 30, 2026

licence

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator


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