Understanding a healthcare provider’s professional history, including any malpractice suits, is crucial for your peace of mind and safety. In Florida, several resources are available to help you research a doctor’s background. Keep reading for more from our West Palm Beach medical malpractice lawyers.
If a doctor or other medical professional harmed you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (561) 655-1990.
How to find out if your doctor has malpractice suits
Check the Florida Department of Health’s website
Start by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s website to access the Medical Quality Assurance search system. This tool allows you to look up licensed health professionals’ licensing information, including disciplinary actions or malpractice claims. Simply enter the doctor’s name to pull up their profile, detailing their professional history.
Review court records
Malpractice suits are a matter of public record. You can search court documents at your local courthouse or its corresponding website. Many Florida counties have online databases where you can search by party name to find any lawsuits involving your doctor. For comprehensive searches, you should visit multiple court systems, including county, circuit, and federal, depending on where cases have been filed.
Explore Florida’s Department of Financial Services and Office of Insurance Regulation
The Florida Department of Financial Services provides a database known as the FLDFS Company and Agent Search, which includes records of closed insurance claims, including those related to medical malpractice. Searching here can reveal whether a malpractice claim has been made against your doctor and the outcome of that claim.
You may also check the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation to search closed medical malpractice claims.
Inquire at the hospital or clinic
Hospitals and clinics often keep internal records of malpractice claims and their outcomes. While they might not disclose all details due to privacy laws, they can usually tell you if there have been any notable issues with a particular doctor.
Use online search tools
Websites such as DocInfo.org, run by the Federation of State Medical Boards, provide information on doctors’ disciplinary records across the United States. This service includes data on medical malpractice payments and any disciplinary actions taken by state medical boards.
Make sure you understand the data
It’s important to remember that a malpractice suit does not automatically indicate that a doctor is incompetent. The details of the case matter, and many suits are settled out of court without a finding of fault. Evaluate the information you find within the context of the doctor’s career and consider discussing it directly with them.
Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath for expert legal help
Florida law requires that medical malpractice information be made public to ensure transparency and patient safety. You can refer to the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII Chapter 766, for more detailed legal information on medical malpractice.
If you need further assistance or have specific concerns about a potential malpractice case, consulting with a legal expert in medical malpractice might be advisable. Legal professionals can provide guidance tailored to your situation, ensuring you have the information you need to make the best decision for your healthcare needs.
