Legal Nurse Consultant & Forensic Nursing
A forensic nurse is a registered nurse that uses forensic skills and resources to investigate medical-legal cases of assault, trauma, or death. These cases cover a wide variety of incidents including sexual assault, suicide, auto accidents, occupational injuries, and child abuse. The LNC typically examines the victim, interviews and counsels them, collects evidence, and testifies in court. Many LNCs that work as forensic nurses have clinical experience in SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nursing. Some nurses also work as forensic nurses for law enforcement agencies and coroners’ offices.
Criminal Case Consulting
Both prosecuting attorneys and criminal defense attorneys rely on legal nurse consultants for assistance with criminal cases. An LNC is called in to review and analyze medical evidence, interview and screen medical experts, and work with crime scene investigators. People in this specialty are often called to testify in court as fact witnesses, prepare witnesses, and submit medical documentation that is used to determine sentencing.
An LNC may choose to work as a mitigation specialist. He or she would be responsible for producing mitigating evidence to be used in the defendant’s case. To work in this area, an LNC must have knowledge of criminal law in their local, state, or federal jurisdiction. This specialist role also requires additional training and education above and beyond that needed to become an LNC.
For more information on Forensic Nursing visit ForensicNursingZone.com