The Legal Nurse Consultant Profession

The primary role of a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is to evaluate, analyze, and render informed opinions on the delivery of health care and its outcomes within the legal process. For over 20 years, LNCs have acted as collaborators, strategists, and educators by offering support in medically related litigation and other medical-legal matters.

Where Does An LNC Work?

LNCs practice in areas of civil and criminal litigation in which injuries and/or medical treatment are factors, such as personal injury, professional negligence and products liability. Many LNCs function as independent consultants, controlling their own schedules, and offering their services primarily to law firms, insurance companies and hospitals. Others are full-time employees of such organizations, or work for the government.

What Benefits Does The LNC Bring To The Legal Team?

Cost-effectiveness
Resourcefulness
Knowledge
Medical experience

What Are the Characteristics of a Successful LNC?

Strong, broad-based clinical experience
Education
Professionalism
Involvement
Special research knowledge

*From Getting Started in Legal Nurse Consulting, with permission of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, 4700 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60025-1485. Copyright 1999.