You have a few layers of medicolegal protection here--the group and the hospital itself. Nevertheless, you'll be named even though you won't be the final scapegoat in litigation--the ones with the deepest pockets will, such as the hospital. But it is true that all physicians are at medicolegal risk, whether actual suits ever pan out or not. You won't be rejected because you have lawsuits, unless there are so many that you're the problem. Your interviewer knows suits are filed for purposes of discovery (to determine whether or not there is merit to a case) and that the frivolous ones go away or prescribe. A settlement, however, is looked upon just as poorly as a suit you lose, because it's made when an unfavorable verdict is likely.

So, what do you do if there is a suit or settlement? Tell your side, because that's half of the story--the important half. Don't blame your previous institution or group, because that looks evasive. If you can explain why a suit occurred due to a complication and not due to your negligence, use it, because this is accepted as part of being in the profession.