How To File Complaints Against Medical Doctors in Florida

If you believe that you or a loved one received improper care at a hospital or another medical facility, you are right to be thinking about filing complaints against medical doctors in Florida. Unfortunately, doctors make mistakes far more often than they should. As a patient or family member, filing a complaint is one of the best things you can do to help stop doctors from making the same mistakes in the future.

Filing a complaint is also important for protecting your legal rights. When doctors make mistakes, the costs can devastate patients and their families. The good news is that doctors—and their medical malpractice insurance companies—can often be held accountable through the complaint process.

The medical malpractice lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright have extensive experience filing complaints against medical doctors in Florida. We understand the devastation of being hurt due to a medical provider’s negligence. We trust medical providers with our health and well-being. When that trust is broken, only justice can help to repair the damage done.

Reach out to us today at (407) 712-7300 to schedule a FREE consultation. We will establish if you have a viable claim for compensation and then pursue the justice you deserve. We serve our neighbors in Orlando and throughout Florida with distinction.

Who Regulates Doctors in Florida?

Doctors in Florida are regulated by the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Department of Health. If you have complaints against medical doctors in Florida, you can file your complaint with the Florida Department of Health.

It is critical to note that filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Health can lead to disciplinary action against a doctor who provided substandard care. Yet, it will not result in payment of financial compensation. To receive compensation for your losses, you must file a medical malpractice claim separately.

When Should You Complain About a Medical Practitioner?

You should talk to a lawyer about filing a complaint about a medical practitioner any time you have reason to believe that you or a loved one received substandard care. Medical malpractice can take many different forms, and all can and should be reported. Some of the most common reasons for filing complaints include:

• Diagnostic errors
• Emergency room negligence
• Treatment errors
• Surgical errors
• Recordkeeping mistakes (i.e., patient record mix-ups)

How To File a Complaint Against a Doctor in Florida

If you need to file medical malpractice complaints against doctors in Florida, your first step is to talk to a lawyer who can help you. Medical malpractice cases are complicated, so choosing a lawyer with experience representing patients and families who are dealing with your situation is imperative.

Once you hire a lawyer to represent you, they will gather all the evidence needed to support your case. This includes medical records, witness statements, and other documentation proving your legal rights were violated. After compiling the evidence, your attorney will file the complaint on your behalf.

The process typically begins online, but the nature of your complaint will determine the specific agency involved. For instance, billing disputes (fraudulent billing or overcharging) may need to be filed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and HIPAA violations should be directed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Each agency has distinct procedures and forms. A trusted and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can guide you through the process to hold negligent parties accountable and seek justice for any harm caused.

What Happens To the Doctor As a Result of the Complaint?

In many cases, doctors who have medical malpractice complaints filed against them must report their complaints to the Florida Board of Medicine. Depending on the severity of the issue, this can lead to professional discipline ranging from a formal reprimand to revocation of the doctor’s medical license.

Will the Doctor Know a Complaint Has Been Filed?

Yes. According to the Florida Board of Medicine, when a complaint is under investigation, your doctor will be notified that a complaint has been filed. However, “Complaints remain confidential until ten days after the probable cause panel of the Board has determined that a violation has occurred. Patient identity and patient records remain confidential at all times.”

At this point, you won’t be dealing with your doctor directly (and you should be seeing a different doctor for treatment). Instead, you will deal with your doctor’s medical malpractice insurance company.

Does It Cost Anything To File Complaints Against Doctors in Florida?

It costs nothing out-of-pocket to file complaints against doctors in Florida. Our lawyers represent all patients and families on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only collect our fees and costs if we help our clients recover. No Fee Unless We Win!

When Does a Complaint Become Medical Malpractice?

A complaint becomes medical malpractice when it involves a mistake that represents a deviation from the standard of care. When medical practitioners fail to meet this standard, they can—and should—be held accountable.

Can You Sue a Doctor for Negligence in Florida?

Yes, you can sue a doctor for negligence in Florida. Medical malpractice is a form of negligence. Florida law makes it clear that patients and families can sue for medical malpractice when they suffer out-of-pocket costs, pain and suffering, and other losses due to their doctors’ negligence.

Do I Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Due to the complexity of medical malpractice cases, if you think you may have a complaint against your doctor, you will want to speak with an Orlando medical malpractice attorney promptly. Remember, this costs nothing out-of-pocket, so you have no reason not to consult a lawyer about your legal rights.

Read More: What To Look For in a Medical Malpractice Law Firm

Contact the Dedicated Attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright

Do you need to know more about filing complaints against medical doctors in Florida? If so, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. We have decades of experience handling medical malpractice cases for our clients and strive to secure the support they need after their devastating losses.

To speak with a medical malpractice attorney at Colling Gilbert Wright in confidence about your legal rights, contact us now to schedule a FREE consultation. We’ll be with you every step of the way to the justice you deserve.