This article details a review of malpractice claim files from 1971-1982 that involved anesthesiologists in Washington State. Clinical findings relating to specific events & their relative incidence are presented, medicolegal implications are reviewed, & 3 specific problem areas of concern to practicing anesthesiologists are emphasized. One of these is the problem of suicide among those who have a malpractice claim brought against them. 4 Refs. (LH)