• Screen or investigate medical malpractice cases for merit.
• Define deviation from, and adherence to the applicable Standards of Care.
• Assess the damages and injuries (pathophysiology, extent of injuries, prognosis, etc) in the case.
• Identify factors that caused or contributed to the alleged damages and injuries (including pre-existing conditions, life-style, and work habits).
• Organize, tab and paginate medical records.
• Summarize, translate and interpret medical records.
• Identify and recommend potential defendants.
• Conduct literature search and integrate the literature and standards and guidelines into the case analysis; research publications written by experts; analyze validity and reliability of research studies relied on by all parties.
• Identify and review relevant medical records, hospital policies and procedures, other essential documents and other tangible items needed to come to an opinion or further develop the case.
• Interview plaintiff or defense clients, key witnesses and experts.
• Consult with healthcare providers.
• Identify types of testifying experts needed.
• Locate and interface with expert witnesses.
• Analyze and compare expert witness reports and other work product.
• Communicate with potential testifying experts.
• Serve as liaison between the attorney and healthcare providers, testifying experts, witnesses, and other consultants and service providers.
• Attend independent medical examinations.
• Develop written reports for use as study tools by the attorney.
• Document formats are available in Adobe Acrobat™ or Microsoft Word™ by request.

Christine M. Curtiss RN BSN CLNC is the founder of Curtiss Consulting Medical-Legal Specialists.

She obtained her certification from the Vickie Milazzo Institute in Houston, Texas and is an active member of the National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants,the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) and the American Nurses Association.

In addition Christine chaired a departmental quality improvement committee for a large medical center recently receiving national magnate status.

Nursing since 1987, Christine is a dedicated professional with clinical experience exceeding 18 years including:

• Medical-Surgical
• Oncology
• Geriatrics
• Rehabilitation/Head Trauma
• Ventilator Dependant Care
• Psychiatric/AODA/Chemical Dependency
• Quality Assurance
• Policy and Procedure Steering Committee

Christine's complete resume is available by request.

Questions & Answers

• Why do I need a LNC to help with my case?

Although you may be familiar with common medical terms and even some procedures, you most likely have had little, if any, medical training. As an experienced nurse, I can quickly, efficiently, and accurately decipher a medical chart and provide you with an increased knowledge of the medical facts and issues. This leaves you with more time to spend addressing the liability issues of the case. As an expert in this field I know which questions to ask and where to find the answers.

• What greater value will a Legal Nurse Consultant bring to my practice?

A registered nurse who has expended the extra time and effort to certify as a LNC demonstrates not only an increased proficiency in her chosen field, but also an on-going commitment to excellence through continued education. The CLNC certification insures a level of in-depth specialized knowledge promoting and maintaining quality within the medical-legal arenas.

• Why do I need a nurse who is a consulting expert?

Nurses who testify are an important entity in this field, however, their ability to give a comprehensive review of the case is limited because of discoverability. A purely consulting expert is able to provide a more thorough and extensive review of the case, including supplying written reports as study tools for the attorney, locating and interfacing with expert witnesses, addressing issues involving nursing and medical standards of care, and interpreting policies and procedures of health care facilities.

• Do I need to hire a LNC when I use MD's?

The LNC does not attempt to replace the MD as a consultant, but rather adds an additional strength to the development of the case. Experienced nurses are able to perform many of the same consulting services as the doctor, usually for a much smaller fee. Nurses tend to scrutinize the medical record much more thoroughly, paying attention to the finer detail of the medical and nursing standard of care. Doctors tend to ignore nurse's notes, relying mainly on dictated MD admission and discharge summaries - both of which are vital records, but may miss many details that should be considered in the daily care of the patient. Additionally, the MD is not qualified to address the nursing standards of care, and may overlook significant information which may be helpful in the development and progression of the case.

• Why do I need to hire an independent consultant?

If your caseload exceeds your staff's capabilities, I am able to give supplemental assistance. I am also available to provide other services such as locating expert witnesses, attending IMEs, etc.

• Why do I need a legal nurse consultant to help with my case?

Legal assistants and paralegals have special training in the legal aspects of the case development, but the legal nurse consultant is an entirely different asset and is capable of a far greater scope of involvement regarding the medical and health aspects of the case. The legal nurse consultant can provide specialized knowledge of the health care system and the peculiarities of the nursing and medical professions. Curtiss Consulting provides you with the most authoritative references and literature to enhance the position of your case. We are also able to provide you with copies of standards of care and guidelines from health care facilities and specialty organizations that you may not otherwise find accessible. The role of the legal nurse consultant and the non-nurse paralegal or law assistant should not be confused or intermingled.

• If I am not satisfied, do you guarantee your work?

We have a risk-free guarantee. You have 14 days after delivery of our work-product to let us know if it's unsatisfactory to you. If we are not able to make the changes to your satisfaction, Curtiss Consulting will issue a refund upon return of our work-product.

• I have more questions, may I speak to you in person?

Call us at (414) 427-7729 and we will answer all your questions, or you can email us at clnc@wi.rr.com and we will send you a copy of our informational packet.