Frequently Asked Questions

A CLNC® is a registered nurse who has completed advanced training and certification through LegalNurse.com, the CLNC® Certification Institute. CLNC® are specialists in medical, nursing, and healthcare systems who provide expert support to legal professionals. 

Hiring a CLNC® can significantly enhance your case's profitability. CLNC® can: 

• Uncover Hidden Value: Identify crucial information buried in medical records. 
• Reduce Costs: Avoid nonmeritorious claims, saving thousands of dollars. 
• Promote Favorable Settlements: Drive outcomes by highlighting critical facts. 
• Build Stronger Cases: Assist in developing the most compelling case by providing insights into the complex healthcare system. 
• Save Time: Allow you to focus on other business or personal pursuits. 

Both nurse paralegals and CLNC® are registered nurses who contribute to legal cases, but their roles differ:

• Nurse Paralegals:  Focus on legal aspects of cases and may lack active clinical experience. They are valuable for their legal insights but may not have expertise in all medical specialties.
• CLNC®:  Specialize in the medical aspects of cases and are often clinically active.  They also have access to a network of healthcare experts in all specialties through the National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants (NACLNC®). 

The NACLNC® is a network of over 4,000 experts across the country. This organization enables me to connect you with leading healthcare experts tailored to your specific needs, including location, specialty, experience, and services.

We assist with a variety of case types, including:

• Medical & Nursing Malpractice
• General Personal Injury
• Products Liability (Medical devices and drug-related)
• Toxic Tort & Environmental Cases
• Workers' Compensation & Workplace Injury
• Criminal Cases with Medical Issues
• Any case where health, injury, or medical issues are involved

CLNC® services benefit a wide range of clients:

• Plaintiff and Defense attorneys
• Insurance companies
• Government agencies
• Healthcare corporations
• Private organizations seeking medical analysis, risk management, or quality assurance

The earlier, the better. Engaging a CLNC® at the outset helps prevent wasting time and thousands of dollars on nonmeritorious claims, and allows for more effective case management.

While MD experts are valuable, they can be more costly. CLNC® can complement or replace MD experts in certain aspects of the case, such as merit screening, which can save you money. According to the CLNC® Certification Institute, LegalNurse.com, MD experts on average cost $750-1k/hour, while nurse consultants only cost $125-150/hour. 

Most of my services are billed hourly. I would like to personally speak with you, to tailor my services to meet YOUR specific needs and budget. An estimate can be provided upfront. 

Please view the list below to compare the average cost of experts within the NACLNC® network: 

• Nurse Consulting Expert: $125-150/hour
• Advanced Practice Nurse Consultant: $175/hour 
• Nurse Testifying Expert: $250-400/hour
• MD Expert: $750-1k/hour 
• MD Specialist: $1.5k/hour 

In Grand Rapids, Michigan.  However thanks to technology, I can provide legal nursing support through phone calls, video calls, and secure mail or emails.  Lever Consulting LLC is also willing to travel to help you build your best case.  If you're looking for an expert closer to you, I can utilize the NACLNC® network, and send you vetted experts based on your geographic requirements.

Please send what copies you have immediately.  The more information I have at the start, the more cost-effective my services will be.  I will notify you if any important documentation is missing or should be requested. 

Please do not send original copies. The copies of the original documents, reports, and films can not be replaced when damaged or lost.

Send digital copies via email to [email protected]. Hard copies will be sent to a secure P.O. box.  

I understand hitting deadlines is vital in your industry.  I prefer 4-6 weeks to complete a work product and provide the effort your case deserves. Screening cases for merit only requires a few days' notice.

Yes.  I handle rush work and understand planning 4-6 weeks ahead is sometimes unavoidable.  A rush fee is applied only when necessary.   

I believe so strongly in my work product, I guarantee it. The risk-free guarantee applies to your first case screening only. If you are unsatisfied with the quality of my work product, I will fix it until you are satisfied, or provide you a full refund.

You must claim the risk-free guarantee within two weeks of receiving the work product in writing (email: [email protected]). 

Yes, I create trial graphics to help educate and keep jurors engaged.  My graphics help simplify complex medical conditions and information. Visual supports such as timelines, charts, and PowerPoint presentations will be created to meet your needs.  Revisions can be made until you are satisfied. 

Yes, at maximum coverage.