Frequently asked questions
A legal nurse consultant is a registered nurse who helps legal teams understand and organize complex medical records. By clarifying timelines and key clinical issues, legal nurse consulting services support informed case decisions and efficient preparation.
When should a legal nurse consultant be involved in a case?
A legal nurse consultant can be involved at any stage, but early involvement often provides the most value by clarifying medical issues, identifying red flags, and supporting informed case decisions.
What types of cases benefit most from legal nurse consulting services?
Cases involving complex or high-volume medical records, unclear timelines, or questions about clinical care benefit most, including medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, and healthcare-related litigation.
How do legal nurse consultants differ from medical experts?
Legal nurse consultants analyze and organize medical information but do not offer medical opinions or testimony. Medical experts provide opinions and testimony based on that organized clinical foundation
What services can a legal nurse consultant provide?
Services include medical record review and organization, chronologies and timelines, merit screening, standard-of-care review, expert support, deposition and trial preparation, and ongoing case consultation.
What is the typical turnaround time for services?
Turnaround time depends on record volume and scope of work. Timing is discussed upfront to align with case deadlines.
How do you handle large or disorganized medical records?
Records are organized, indexed, and reviewed systematically to create a clear medical narrative that allows key facts to be identified quickly and efficiently.
Can a legal nurse consultant help reduce expert costs?
Yes. By organizing records and identifying key medical issues early, a legal nurse consultant helps experts focus on opinions and testimony rather than record review.
Do legal nurse consultants work with both plaintiff and defense teams?
Yes. Services are provided to both sides, with an objective, clinically grounded approach tailored to case needs.
How is confidentiality handled?
All work is conducted with strict attention to confidentiality and secure handling of medical records in compliance with applicable privacy standards.
How are services billed?
Services are typically billed hourly, with flat-fee options available for defined scopes of work. Pricing and scope are agreed upon before work begins.