How to Check a Healthcare Provider’s Medical Malpractice Record

Knowing how to find out if your doctor has been sued for malpractice in Florida is important for making informed healthcare decisions. Medical malpractice cases can reveal patterns of negligence or poor judgment. This guide will help you access this information quickly and confidently. 

What Doctors Have the Most Malpractice Suits?

Some doctors are more likely to face malpractice suits than others, often due to their specialty, years of experience, or the complexity of their cases. High-pressure fields like surgery, obstetrics, neurosurgery, and anesthesiology come with higher risks because even minor errors can have serious consequences. While one or two malpractice claims over a long career don’t necessarily mean a doctor isn’t skilled, it’s important to pay attention to patterns or claims that suggest significant issues. Reviewing a doctor’s malpractice history can give you valuable insight into their track record and professionalism, helping you make a more informed decision about your care. 

Are Medical Malpractice Cases Public Record?

Yes, medical malpractice records are public in most cases. However, the level of access varies by state. Florida provides several resources for accessing these records:

• Florida Board of Medicine: You can check its database for disciplinary actions and malpractice settlements involving doctors.
• State Department of Health Services: This is another place to look for malpractice details, often listed alongside licensing info.
• County Clerk’s Office: Court records are public so you can dig into malpractice cases filed against a doctor here.

Public access to malpractice information helps patients make informed decisions. It also holds healthcare providers accountable. However, accessing these records can be complex, especially if you know how and where to search. 

Search State Medical Boards

State medical boards are your first stop for finding malpractice records. In Florida, you can visit the Florida Board of Medicine website. Use their license lookup tool to review:

• Disciplinary actions
• Malpractice settlements
• Other legal issues

The state medical board’s database is a quick and easy way to check a doctor’s history. You can search by name, license number, or city for information, including legal actions or settlements. If you still have questions, just contact the board directly for clarification. 

Search State Department of Health Services

Florida’s Department of Health is another helpful resource. Their license verification tool provides the following:

• Licensing status
• Disciplinary history
• Malpractice claims

Check for sections labeled “public complaints” or similar to find malpractice details. The Department of Health works with medical boards to keep records accurate and up-to-date. You can also use this resource to see if a doctor’s license is active, suspended, or revoked.

If you need more details, contact The Department of Health directly. They have extra records that aren’t available online. 

Call the County Clerk’s Office for Court Records

For detailed case information, contact the clerk’s office in the county where the doctor practices. Court records may include:

• Case summaries
• Settlement amounts
• Case outcomes

Some offices let you search online, but others require you to call or visit in person. It’s a good idea to call to check the process ahead of time.

County clerks handle many records, so having details like the doctor’s full name or case numbers can save you a lot of time. However, if they need to pull physical files, you might have to pay a fee or wait a bit. 

Are Medical Malpractice Settlements Public Record?

In many cases, yes. Settlements often appear in court records or are reported to state medical boards. However, some settlements include confidentiality clauses, limiting public access. Florida law generally supports transparency but always verifies through official channels.

Confidentiality agreements are standard in malpractice cases, especially in private settlements. These agreements may prevent specific details, like settlement amounts, from being disclosed. However, a settlement may still be reported to regulatory agencies. 

How to Find Medical Malpractice Records in Other States

If your doctor practiced outside Florida, you should search other state databases. The Federation of State Medical Boards provides a centralized resource for multi-state license and malpractice record searches.

The federation’s DocInfo database allows you to search for malpractice records nationwide. This is especially helpful for patients seeing specialists who may have trained or worked in multiple states. However, some records may require additional verification through individual state boards. 

What Is the Payout for Malpractice in Florida?

Florida has specific rules for medical malpractice payouts, including caps on non-economic damages, which cover pain and suffering. While these caps vary depending on the circumstances of the case, Florida generally allows for higher non-economic damages compared to some other states. Economic damages, such as lost wages and medical bills, are not capped, meaning compensation for measurable losses can be significant. Understanding these regulations is important for anyone pursuing a malpractice claim in Florida, as the specifics of your case can impact the potential payout. 

How Much Can You Sue a Doctor for Malpractice in Florida?

The amount you can recover in a Florida medical malpractice lawsuit depends on the unique circumstances of your case. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, may be subject to caps, but these limits vary depending on the situation. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. can help you understand the compensation based on your claim. 

Why It Matters to Check Malpractice Records

Looking into a doctor’s malpractice history is more than spotting red flags—it’s about making sure you feel confident in your choice. One or two claims over the years don’t necessarily mean a doctor isn’t good at their job; sometimes, things happen that are out of their control. But if you notice a pattern of claims or serious allegations, it’s worth digging deeper and asking questions.

Your Malpractice Search Done Right

To protect yourself, looking into a healthcare provider’s malpractice record is necessary. State medical boards, health department resources, and court records can give you the information you need about their history. If you’re unsure where to start or need help understanding what you find, Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. is here to help. Call (561) 689-8180 or contact us online today for guidance you can trust.