Frequently Asked Questions

A legal nurse consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse (RN) who provides specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of nursing to assist with legal matters. LNCs work at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, providing valuable insights and analysis in medical-related cases.

 The primary role of a legal nurse consultant is to bridge the gap between the healthcare and legal professions. They typically collaborate with attorneys, insurance companies, healthcare facilities, and other stakeholders involved in legal cases that involve medical issues. LNCs utilize their medical background and experience to review medical records, identify and interpret relevant medical information, and provide objective opinions on the standard of care, causation, and other medical aspects related to the case. The responsibilities of a legal nurse consultant can include:

1. Case Evaluation: Assessing the merit of a case by reviewing medical records, identifying key medical issues, and providing an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
2. Medical Record Review: Analyzing medical records, including charts, lab reports, diagnostic tests, and other relevant documentation to identify any discrepancies, omissions, or potential areas of concern.
3. Research and Documentation: Conducting research on medical conditions, treatments, and procedures to provide accurate and up-to-date information to support the legal case.
4. Expert Witness Preparation: Assisting attorneys in preparing questions for expert witnesses and providing guidance on medical issues during depositions, hearings, or trials.
5. Expert Testimony: Occasionally, LNCs may be called upon to provide expert testimony in court, sharing their professional opinions based on their medical knowledge and experience.

Legal nurse consultants can work independently or as part of a consulting firm, law firm, insurance company, or government agency. They can be involved in various types of cases, such as medical malpractice, personal injury claims, workers' compensation, product liability, and criminal cases related to healthcare. It's important to note that the specific scope of practice and regulations governing legal nurse consultants may vary by jurisdiction. LNCs are expected to adhere to ethical and legal guidelines while providing their expert services within the legal system. The legal nurse consultants of Vital Insight also maintain an active practice in the hospital setting, only adding to their knowledge base.  

 Attorneys, insurance companies, healthcare facilities, and other stakeholders involved in legal cases that involve medical issues. 

 Anytime you get a new case, if you feel like you are struggling with a case involving any and all medical concerns, if you need expert witness testimony, difficult medical deposition, when you need chronologies or timelines involving medical matters, for any medical case review, for any and all medical research help, evaluation of damages or cost projections, record retrieval and book marking.  

Is it necessary, absolutely not, but Vital Insight Nurses can save you and your firm time and money by contacting us first for a through case and merit review.  

Absolutely they can. Legal nurse consultants have real world experience with patient care, policies and procedures, and can evaluate a case to determine medical malpractice, timing, quality of care, explaining injury or illness in lamons terms, assessment of medication administration and accurate dosage. 

As soon as you decide to retain vital Insight consulting, we should immediately get access or request access to all medical records relevant to the case.  

 Yes, legal nurse consultants can provide you with visual aides to assist in case/trial preparation.  

Very often. Anytime there is a change in case material, new findings, movement in the case the LNC should be informed as well as the attorneys. Vital Insight takes pride in their communication efforts and will alert the attorneys to any new evidence or changes found in the case review.