What is a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)?
A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse (RN) who uses their clinical expertise to assist attorneys and other legal professionals in cases involving medical issues.
They act as a bridge between the legal and medical worlds, helping to interpret medical records, analyze health-related facts, and provide informed opinions in various legal contexts.
Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Legal Nurse Consultant
Case Evaluation
- Analyze medical records for relevance, accuracy, and consistency.
- Identify deviations from standards of care.
- Screen cases for merit (plaintiff or defense).
Medical Record Review
- Summarize, organize, and interpret complex medical information.
- Create timelines and chronologies of care.
- Highlight missing records or inconsistencies.
Expert Witness Coordination
- Help locate and communicate with appropriate medical experts.
- Assist in preparing expert witness reports or depositions.
Report Preparation
- Draft medical-legal reports.
- Assist in preparing exhibits for trial or settlement.
Trial Support
- Educate attorneys on medical concepts.
- Assist with deposition and cross-examination questions.
- Attend depositions, trials, and mediations to provide on-the-spot insights.
Work Settings
- Law firms (plaintiff or defense).
- Insurance companies.
- Government agencies.
- Independent consulting.
Common Legal Cases Involving LNCs:
- Personal injury (e.g., car accidents, slip and falls)
- Medical malpractice
- Workers’ compensation
- Product liability (e.g., medical devices)
- Toxic torts (e.g., chemical exposures)
- Criminal cases involving injury or death
Qualifications:
- Must be an RN (usually with several years of clinical experience)
- Additional certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) is optional but adds credibility.
- Knowledge of both medical practice and legal procedures is critical.
