The current malpractice situation exists for the following reasons: 1) society's belief that all wrongs must have a reason and that the wrong must be put right, 2) the pervasive lottery mentality, 3) the inability of many individuals to accept responsibility for themselves or their actions, and 4) an increasing incidence of true medical negligence. The physician who gives careful detail to practice style, who constantly attempts to upgrade his skills and knowledge, and who prepares himself when involved in the inevitable legal quagmire will survive during this difficult time to practice the healing arts.