Forensic Analysis in Legal Cases: Understanding medical and behavioral impacts

Jean K. Cooper | Benchmark Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC

Jean Cooper, BSN, MSN, RN, LNCC is a registered nurse licensed in Arizona. Jean started her nursing career in a surgical ICU and was hooked on critical care nursing. While Working in several critical care settings, she earned a BSN and an MSN and became certified as a critical care nurse (CCRN). She also discovered nursing within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VHA). After about 20 years in critical care settings, she switched gears and became a Women Veterans Healthcare Program Manager working to improve equal access to quality healthcare for women veterans in the VHA system.

In 2007, Jean transitioned from the VHA and became a legal nurse consultant for a medical malpractice defense law firm. Once she had studied and accumulated enough hours of experience, she became a legal nurse consultant certified (LNCC).

Currently, Jean works as an independent LNCC assisting attorneys in medical malpractice, personal injury, and criminal defense. She can be reached at [email protected] or 602-616-9855.

I. Delayed Effects of Strangulation | 2:00pm – 2:30pm

• Medical Insights of Strangulation
  • Immediate and Delayed Physical Effects
  • Psychological Impact
• Case Studies and Legal Implications

II. Injuries from Short Falls (6 Feet or Less) | 2:30pm – 3:00pm

• Medical Analysis of Short Falls
  • Common Injuries and Delayed Symptoms
  • Risk Factors (Age, Health Conditions)
• Forensic Investigation and Legal Cases
  • Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Personal Injury Claims

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

III. Behavioral Changes from Head Injuries in Vehicle Accidents | 3:10pm – 3:30pm

• Medical Perspective on Head Injuries
  • Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • Behavioral and Cognitive Changes
• Forensic and Legal Considerations
  • Personal Injury and Liability Cases

IV. Effects of Marijuana Use on Individuals with Mental Illness | 3:30pm – 3:50pm

• Medical Insights
  • Interaction Between Marijuana and Mental Illness
  • Behavioral and Psychological Effects
• Legal Case Studies
  • Criminal Defense and Mental Health Considerations
  • Personal Injury and Malpractice Cases

V. Integrating Medical Forensic Analysis into Legal Practice | 3:50pm – 4:10pm

• Best Practices for Legal Professionals
  • Working with LNCs During Case Development
  • Working with Medical Experts
  • Developing Demonstrative Forensic Evidence [photos, diagrams]
• Ethical Considerations
  • Confidentiality and Informed Consent