Posted on January 17, 2024

What is a Legal Nurse Consultant?

A Legal Nurse Consultant is a Registered Nurse (RN) with at least five years of clinical experience in a specialized area such as Intensive Care, Medical-Surgical Nursing, or Nursing Home Care. LNCs are healthcare experts who help legal professionals interpret medical records, terminology, and evidence in cases involving medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, worker's compensation, toxic torts, and more.

In short, Legal Nurse Consultants serve as medical experts who can help attorneys better understand complex medical issues and improve their chances of success in litigation. Their expertise is invaluable in assisting with case preparation, enhancing legal strategies, and supporting clients throughout the litigation process.

Core Services Provided by Legal Nurse Consultants

LNCs offer a wide range of services that can greatly benefit legal professionals:

1. Medical Record Review & Case Summary

One of the most common and essential services LNCs provide is reviewing medical records. An LNC can analyze medical records, organize them in chronological order, and provide a detailed summary of the case. This allows attorneys to quickly and accurately assess whether there is merit to a case, saving time and resources. Attorneys often find that an LNC can complete this task much more efficiently than they could on their own or with the help of their staff.

2. Defense Medical Examination (DME) Attendance

A DME is a medical assessment conducted by a healthcare provider who has not previously treated the patient. While DMEs are meant to offer an unbiased evaluation of a patient's condition, they may not always be as objective as intended. An LNC can attend the DME to observe the entire process and ensure that it is conducted properly. They may even be able to audio or videotape the exam to maintain an accurate record. Afterward, the LNC provides the legal team with a detailed report, noting any discrepancies or irregularities during the examination.

3. Expert Witness Testimony

Many Legal Nurse Consultants also serve as expert witnesses in court. Their medical expertise allows them to testify regarding whether the standard of care was met or violated in a particular case. Their testimony can be instrumental in helping a judge or jury understand complicated medical concepts, ultimately influencing the outcome of the case.

4. Case Strategy and Legal Guidance

In addition to their medical expertise, LNCs can help shape the overall strategy of a case. Their insight into medical facts and nuances can guide attorneys in determining the strengths and weaknesses of their case, allowing them to build a more compelling argument. LNCs can also assist with preparing depositions and reviewing expert witness testimony.

Why You Should Consider Hiring an LNC for Your Legal Practice

Legal Nurse Consultants provide significant value to legal teams, particularly in complex medical cases. Some of the benefits of hiring an LNC include:

• Efficiency and Timesaving: LNCs can review medical records and assist in case preparation far more efficiently than an attorney or paralegal could, saving valuable time.
• Cost-Effectiveness: By outsourcing the review of medical records and attendance at DMEs, law firms can cut down on the resources required for case preparation, ultimately reducing costs.
• Expert Insight: LNCs bring a medical perspective that enhances the quality of legal arguments. They ensure that attorneys don't overlook critical medical information that could affect the outcome of the case.
• Objective Observations: During a DME or other medical evaluations, LNCs can serve as unbiased observers, ensuring that the process adheres to legal and ethical standards.

The JLNG Legal Nurse Consulting Advantage

Not all Legal Nurse Consulting firms are the same. At Jackson's Legal Nursing Group (JLNG), we go above and beyond to provide our clients with exceptional service. We are available 24/7 to ensure that your legal needs are met at any time.

Here's how JLNG differentiates itself:

• Comprehensive Service: From scheduling and attending DMEs to delivering detailed reports and summaries, our team handles every aspect of the process with precision and professionalism.
• 24/7 Support: Our office is always available to assist with your needs, whether it's scheduling, questions, or urgent requests.
• Thorough and Accurate Reporting: After attending a DME, we provide our clients with a detailed and unbiased report, including an audio or video recording when possible, so you never miss a critical detail.

Closing Thoughts

As Legal Nurse Consultants, we continuously evolve to keep pace with the legal profession's ever-changing demands. Our ability to provide services like medical record reviews, DME attendance, and expert testimony is crucial for attorneys working on medical-related cases. By leveraging the expertise of an LNC, legal professionals can improve their chances of securing favorable outcomes for their clients.

If you're looking to enhance your legal strategies and improve case outcomes, consider partnering with Jackson's Legal Nursing Group. Whether you need comprehensive medical record analysis, an unbiased observer at an Independent Medical Examination, or locating expert witnesses, we're here to support your legal journey every step of the way.

Contact Us Today!

Call us at (904) 701-8489 to learn how our Legal Nurse Consultants can help you achieve success in your next case. Your success is our priority, and we're ready to provide the expertise and support you need to ensure justice for your clients.