How is a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) different than a paralegal?
Both roles are complimentary. The LNC identifies standards of care and any deviations. They can also recognize medical issues and list potential medical complications of the injuries and possible outcomes. The four elements of a medical malpractice case can be identified.A LNC is a licensed registered nurse that has extensive education in anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. In addition, they have practiced in clinical settings. A paralegal is under the supervision and direction of a licensed attorney and engages in legal research, reviews cases, prepares or interprets legal documents, uses technical information from references to analyze such information to develop independent decisions. Their education is law-related. Paralegal education is not standardized. There are many formats and lengths including Certificate, Associate Degree, Baccalaureate Degree and Master’s Degree Programs. So the LNC provides the medical expertise while the paralegal provides the legal expertise.
