How to Verify a Miami Medical Malpractice Attorney's Real Experience Before You Hire

You do not have to take a lawyer’s word for their experience. Florida gives you free public tools to check it yourself. The Florida Bar’s online profile shows each attorney’s admission date, current standing, and any public discipline. Miami-Dade court dockets and federal PACER records can tell you whether the lawyer has actually filed and tried medical malpractice cases or simply lists it as a practice area.

Where do I find an attorney’s actual admission date and discipline record?

Go to floridabar.org and click “Find a Lawyer.” Enter the attorney’s name. Their profile will show the exact date they were admitted to The Florida Bar. That date tells you how long they have been licensed, not how long they have handled medical malpractice cases. The same profile shows current standing, active, inactive, suspended, or disbarred. If there is any public discipline, it will be noted on the profile. Keep in mind that no discipline does not mean the lawyer is skilled in malpractice, and a long admission date does not prove they focus on this type of case. The Bar site confirms licensure only, not results or specialty experience.

What does Florida Bar Board Certification in Civil Trial Law actually mean?

Board certification in Civil Trial Law is a voluntary credential that The Florida Bar generally awards after an attorney demonstrates substantial trial experience, passes a written exam, and receives positive peer reviews. It may indicate a higher level of courtroom involvement, but it does not guarantee success in your case. The Florida Bar maintains a public list of board-certified attorneys by specialty and location that you can search directly. A separate national credential exists through the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys; you can ask any lawyer if they hold it. Certification is one useful data point among many, not the sole measure of ability.

How do I look up whether a lawyer has actually filed medical malpractice cases in court?

Search the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts website at miamidadeclerk.gov. Use the civil case search; depending on the search options available, you may be able to search by the attorney’s or a party’s name and look for case types such as “professional negligence” or “medical malpractice.” You will see case numbers, filing dates, and case status, though most settlements are confidential and may show only as “disposed.” For federal cases, use PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov; registration is required and some fees may apply. Compare filing dates to the attorney’s Bar admission date to gauge real-world experience. Remember, a short docket does not always mean inexperience, some lawyers resolve cases early. But consistent filings over time suggest active practice in this area.

Is a general personal injury lawyer the same as a medical malpractice lawyer?

No. Medical malpractice is a specialized area within personal injury law. It demands expert witnesses from the same medical field as the provider being sued, a detailed pre-suit investigation, and knowledge of how hospital defense teams operate. A firm that handles car crashes and slip-and-falls may lack the network of specialists, procedural know-how, or trial stamina needed for malpractice. Ask directly what percentage of the lawyer’s current caseload involves malpractice and how many such cases they have taken to verdict. Experience matters because these cases are complex, expensive, and often fiercely defended.

Does it matter which lawyer at the firm actually handles my case?

Yes. At some firms, day-to-day work is handled by an attorney other than the one whose name you know. Ask who will be the attorney of record on your file. Who will attend depositions, argue motions, and sit at counsel table if the case goes to trial? Request the specific trial history of that individual, not just the firm’s reputation. Florida Bar profiles and court dockets track individual attorneys, not law firms. Your case deserves hands-on attention from someone with real malpractice trial experience, not just a senior partner’s name on the letterhead.

What can Wolfson & Leon tell you about its history and who works with Hialeah clients?

Jerome Wolfson founded the firm in 1963. His son, Jonah Wolfson, now leads it. Partner Alfie Leon works regularly with Hialeah clients and often conducts consultations in Spanish, important in a community where many prefer to discuss legal matters in their first language. We encourage you to verify our attorneys’ credentials exactly as this article describes: check floridabar.org for admission dates and standing, search Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts for case filings, and ask direct questions about who will handle your file. Our doors are open to that scrutiny because we believe you deserve clear facts before hiring any lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I look up a Miami lawyer’s discipline history for free?
Yes. The Florida Bar’s “Find a Lawyer” tool at floridabar.org shows any public discipline at no cost. Just enter the attorney’s name and review the discipline information on the profile.

What questions should I ask a medical malpractice attorney at the first meeting?
Ask what percentage of their practice is medical malpractice, how many such cases they have taken to trial, who will be the lead attorney on your file, and whether they have worked with experts in your type of injury. Also ask about their fee structure and whether they advance case costs.

Is a board-certified civil trial lawyer better for a malpractice case?
Board certification may reflect more courtroom experience, but it is not required for malpractice cases. Some excellent malpractice lawyers are not certified. Use certification as one factor alongside actual case filings and trial history.

How do I know if a lawyer has actually tried medical malpractice cases or just settled them?
Check court dockets for trials, motions in limine, or jury verdicts. Settlements usually show only as “disposed” without details. Directly ask the lawyer how many malpractice cases they have tried to verdict in the past five years.

Does it matter that Wolfson & Leon has been around since 1963?
Longevity shows stability and community presence, but it does not automatically reflect individual attorney experience in malpractice.

Hurt in an accident in Hialeah? Call Wolfson & Leon at 305-965-3766 for a free consultation. We speak Spanish, and there is no fee unless we win.