Filing a medical malpractice or personal injury case without a thorough review of the medical records is risky. Here are five warning signs that tell you an expert review is overdue.
1. The Records Are Voluminous and Disorganized
When a case involves hundreds or thousands of pages of records from multiple providers, critical information gets buried. A legal nurse consultant organizes and cross-references these records so nothing gets overlooked.
2. The Medical Terminology Is Unclear to Your Team
If your paralegals are spending hours looking up medical terms and still getting it wrong, your case preparation is suffering. An LNC reads medical records fluently and translates complex clinical information into language your entire team understands.
3. You Are Unsure About the Standard of Care
Determining whether a healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care requires clinical knowledge. An LNC identifies where the care fell short and explains why, giving you the foundation for your argument.
4. The Timeline Has Gaps
Missing records, unexplained gaps in treatment, or conflicting dates are red flags. An LNC identifies these gaps and helps you determine whether they represent missing evidence, noncompliance, or potential issues with the case.
5. The Opposing Expert Report Raises Questions
When the defense produces an expert report that contradicts your position, you need someone who can analyze it from a clinical perspective. An LNC reviews opposing expert opinions and identifies weaknesses, unsupported claims, and areas for cross-examination.
Do not wait until trial preparation to discover problems in your medical records. An early expert review saves time, strengthens your strategy, and protects your case.