How to Find Out if a Doctor Has a History of Medical Malpractice in Florida?

Gregg Hollander | February 24, 2022 | Medical Malpractice

Choosing a doctor can be a challenging process. You want to choose a physician who provides skilled care. You also want a doctor who has experience in the area of medicine you need.

Additionally, you want a doctor who does not have a history of medical malpractice claims. Medical malpractice and negligence can include, but are not limited to:

No doctor can guarantee a specific result. However, you want to avoid doctors who have repeatedly failed to provide an acceptable standard of care and made avoidable errors that harm their patients. Researching a doctor’s history of complaints and misconduct gives you an idea of how the doctor might treat you as a patient.

How Do I Check a Doctor for Malpractice Claims in Florida?

Medical malpractice is dangerous. Errors and negligence by medical providers result in wrongful deaths, traumatic injuries, and permanent impairments. 

Several resources are available for individuals searching for a list of doctors with malpractice suits. When performing a search, you may need to check the state’s licensing board and court records for malpractice suits against doctors.

Florida Department of Health

Florida Code §456.041 requires the Florida Department of Health to maintain profiles of certain health professionals licensed in Florida, including:

  • Medical doctors
  • Advanced registered nurse practitioners 
  • Osteopathic physicians
  • Podiatric physicians
  • Chiropractic physicians

These profiles are available online and are based on information submitted by the medical provider. The information is not verified except where indicated.

Legal actions against the medical provider are included in the profile. In addition, the information is verified every two years through a statewide criminal background check. Furthermore, board final disciplinary action against a medical provider is also verified through a search of the National Practitioner Data Bank. 

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation 

You can check with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation for actions filed against a doctor’s malpractice insurance coverage. These claims are known as Medical Professional Liability (MPL) claims. Florida is just one of a few states that makes this information public record. 

You may search for filed claims by name, claim number, license number, and numerous other details. In addition, the database provides a thorough search for malpractice claims because doctors and insurance providers must report malpractice claims to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation to include in their public database.

Local Court Records

In addition to searching the database with the Department of Health and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, it is wise to search the local court records for medical malpractice lawsuits. Doctors and insurance companies might not comply with reporting requirements, or there may be errors in the database. You may also want to perform a statewide search if the doctor practiced in a different area or has offices in different locations.

Medical malpractice lawsuits are public record. For example, you can search for lawsuits against West Palm Beach doctors by searching the court records through the Palm Beach County clerk of court. Depending on the county records, you may obtain some records online. 

Florida Board of Medicine

You may also find helpful information about a doctor you want to research by visiting the Florida Board of Medicine’s website. It has a link to view a practitioner’s profile, discipline and administrative actions, and other information. The Board of Medicine handles complaints against a doctor’s license. 

What Should I Do if I Am the Victim of Medical Malpractice in Florida?

Your health and welfare are top priorities. First, seek medical care from a qualified physician. Then, talk with a medical malpractice lawyer about your claim as soon as possible. Seeking legal advice is the best way to know if you have a claim and protect your best interests.

If a doctor’s conduct caused you injury or harm, the doctor might be liable for your damages. 

Under Florida law, damages in a medical malpractice claim may include your economic damages, such as nursing care, lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. However, you may also receive compensation for your pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. 

Even a doctor with no prior medical malpractice claims can make a mistake or fail to provide adequate care. If so, the doctor should be held accountable for the harm caused by negligence and medical malpractice.

Contact Our Medical Malpractice Law Firm in South Florida – Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our medical malpractice lawyers at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers at the location nearest you for a free consultation:

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770
Available 24 hrs.

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
1975 E Sunrise Blvd Suite 702
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 287-0566
Available 24 hrs.

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873
Available 24 hrs.