Medical Law

The Reality Behind Nurses in the Court

Written by Maroun Tarabey
February 10th, 2025

The world of nurses is one of variety from taking care of high-risk geriatric patients, assisting in code blues, to even working in private clinics outside the hospital environment. Nurses are present in every corner of modern healthcare systems. Despite their importance, they rarely face medical malpractice cases, with less than or equal to 0.5% of nurses internationally committing high-level malpractice¹. “How could this be possible?” The answer lies, in part, in the crucial work of legal nurse consultants. Yes — nurses can work in law, too. Their contributions help clarify medical malpractice cases not only in nursing, but across all areas of medicine.

Nurses in Suits, or Something More?

Legal nurse consultants assist attorneys in legal cases as medical witnesses². Their responsibilities include:

  • Testifying in medical malpractice, personal injury, or workers’ compensation cases
  • Providing medical expertise in criminal cases, such as reviewing causes of death or mechanisms of crime
  • Verifying medication records in cases where accuracy is critical

In addition, they may:

  • Educate legal professionals on medical matters
  • Locate and analyze medical evidence
  • Present findings in court

Their work demands not only medical expertise, but also legal knowledge, making the career both challenging and fulfilling.

The typical pathway includes:

  1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university
  2. Pass the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN)²

While technically enough, further steps improve career opportunities:

  • Gain years of clinical experience to build credibility
  • Pursue a Master’s degree or certificate in forensic nursing, to deepen understanding of law and its intersection with healthcare

Canadian certification exam for legal nurse consultants is currently under discussion, but does not yet exist³.

Where Do They Work?

Career opportunities for legal nurse consultants are diverse, including:

  • Private consulting firms
  • Law firms
  • Insurance companies
  • Healthcare organizations offering legal support
  • Independent solo practices⁴

They may also find opportunities in:

  • Government offices
  • Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
  • Patient safety advocacy groups⁵

Salary Expectations

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for legal nurse consultants in Ontario is about $81,195 annually⁶.

Conclusion

Legal nurse consulting is a fascinating career path that bridges two vital worlds: medicine and law. For nurses seeking to expand their horizons, it offers the chance to apply clinical expertise in entirely new settings, from the courtroom to insurance firms. With strong analytical skills, empathy, and dedication, nurses can thrive in this unique profession and make a meaningful impact both inside and outside the hospital.

Footnotes

Prosthetists