Profile of medico-legal cases admitted at a tertiary care hospital: A cross sectional study.

Background: Medico-legal cases in a particular health set up is an important and unavoidable bulk. It requires proper dealing in both examination and documentation. Classification and tabulation of these cases under certain categories is crucial for evaluating the current pattern. This categorisation benefits the law-and-order authorities to enact norms and policies accordingly. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly by the department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology in collaboration with the Medical Record Section. Medico-Legal Cases examined by doctors attending in the casualty of the hospital were taken. Medico-legal case file and electronic medical record data saved in the (MRD) medical records department were looked for cases segregated as Medico-Legal Cases with Medico-Legal Reports for a duration of one year from 01-July-2023 to 30-June-2024.Both percentage and numbers of the evaluated data are mentioned. Results: Total 456 cases were reported during 01-July-2023 to 30-June-2024. Among the 456 cases reported, 32.00% were among the age group of 21-30 years. Most of the medicolegal cases registered were of males (73.50 %). The number of cases from rural areas were more (73.00%). Road Traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for 64.70% of the cases followed by poisoning/drug reaction cases (13.20%). Among the RTA cases, the age group of 21-30 years were the most vulnerable. Conclusion: Evaluation of the Medico-legal Cases needs focused observation and meticulous recording with proper documentation. Heath care staffs including doctors should undergo proper training so that the faults and mistakes can be minimised, thus aiding the legal authorities to manage this bulk efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]