Legal Nurse Consultant

A legal nurse consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse who uses expertise as a health care provider and specialized training to consult on medical-related legal cases. LNCs assist attorneys in reading medical records and understanding medical terminology and healthcare issues to achieve the best results for their clients.[1] The specialty is a relatively recent one, beginning in the mid-1980s.[2]

A legal nurse consultant bridges gaps in an attorney's knowledge. While the attorney is an expert on legal issues, the LNC is an expert on nursing and the health care system. LNCs screen cases for merit, assist with discovery; conduct the existing literature and medical research; review medical records; identify standards of care; prepare reports and summaries on the extent of injury or illness; create demonstrative evidence; and locate or act as expert witnesses. The legal nurse consultant acts as a specialized member of the litigation team whose professional contributions are often critical to achieving a fair and just outcome for all parties.[1]

A legal nurse consultant differs from a paralegal in that a paralegal assists attorneys in the delivery of legal services and frequently requires a legal education, while a legal nurse consultant is first and foremost a practitioner of nursing, and legal education is not necessarily a prerequisite. A legal nurse consultant uses existing expertise as a health care professional to consult and educate clients on specific medical and nursing issues in their cases.

Aside from within law firms, LNCs may also be found working for government agencies, insurance companies and HMOs, in hospitals as part of the risk management department, and may also be in independent practice.[1]

Do you hold a masters of science in nursing degree already?

If you hold a graduate level degree in nursing a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse of Anesthesia or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner are just a certification away. Each certification is unique and one certification may take longer to achieve than another.