The worldwide Medical Defence Union, which has 4,000 members in Ireland, paid out £41 million to patients in compensation for medical accidents in 1996, according to its annual report and accounts. A total of £56 million was paid out on behalf of members in 1996, £41 million in compensation to patients and £15 million in legal costs. This figure compares with £43 million in 1995 and £37 million in 1994.