Frequently Asked Questions
What does a legal nurse consultant do?
A legal nurse consultant is an expert within their area of practice. These consultants work with law professionals, usually attorneys, and perform a variety of services. They assist in medical malpractice cases, personal injury claims, act as observers during Independent Medical Exams, offer expert consultations to determine if a case has merit, and offer expert witness testimonies. They also offer summaries and chronologies of medical charts, as well as "weaving a story" out of a medical chart full of undecipherable medical terminology and abbreviations. There is an increased demand for legal nurse consultants, leading to more well-rounded, better educated attorney-clients regarding their cases.
How do you charge for your services?
I have a clear, concise fee schedule, which is available upon request. For DME nurse observations, there is a flat fee, which many of our clients enjoy (instead of confusing mileage rates versus exam rates). Expert witness review, reports, and testimony is charged per hour with an initial retainer. We do offer rush reviews for those crunch times!
My firm uses paralegals to review medical charts. Why should I use a legal nurse consultant?
Legal nurse consultants have an extensive background in the medical field. I am a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), and I have worked extensively in multiple emergency rooms as a nurse since 2011. Paralegals are able to glean the basics out of a medical chart, but for a real picture of the intricacies and protocols following the elusive Standards of Care, a legal nurse consultant may be best. I have years of experience, giving you the certainty you need knowing that you are receiving a true, unbiased opinion based on the Standards of Care.
My paralegals go to all of my client's Independent Medical Exams. Why should I use a legal nurse consultant?
Legal nurse consultants are a neutral medical entity. Having one present at your client's Independent/Defense Medical Exam indicates that there was no bias during the observation. I audio record each examination as well as write a detailed report in layman's terms of the examination portion. As a nurse, I am very aware of neurology, orthopedic, psychiatric, and many other types of examinations. A paralegal is able to audio record, but a legal nurse consultant is able to determine any obvious omissions from the Examiner, which can be a boon for your case. As a neutral medical professional, a legal nurse consultant can testify if needed as a percipient witness.