Services
Plaintiff and defense case support, nationwide
Neonatal & Infant Nurse Expert Witness Services
When a case turns on what happened in the NICU, you need a nurse expert who still works there. Mary Ellen Bouve, RN, CCRN-N, has practiced at the bedside in a Level IV NICU since 2004.
She helps plaintiff and defense attorneys understand neonatal and infant nursing care, find where the standard of care was met or missed, and explain it clearly to a judge or jury.
From the first record review to trial testimony, you work directly with Mary Ellen. There's no agency in the middle, no signed contract required to start, and no charge for the initial case call.
What I provide
NICU Nurse Expert Services for Attorneys
Every case is different. Some need a quick read on merit, and some need a full report and testimony. Bring Mary Ellen in at whatever stage your case is in.
NICU Medical Record Review & Standard of Care Evaluation
Mary Ellen reviews the full neonatal or infant record: nursing notes, flowsheets, MARs, orders, monitoring data and policies. She builds a clear timeline of the care given, then measures it against current NICU nursing standards, such as assessment, escalation, medication safety and documentation. You get an honest opinion on where the standard of care was met or missed. She also tells you early if the case doesn't hold up on the nursing side, before you spend money pursuing it.
Affidavits of Merit
Many states require a qualified expert to support a claim before it can move forward. Mary Ellen prepares affidavits and certificates of merit backed by her CCRN-N certification and over 20 years of active NICU practice. That helps your filing meet the "same or similar specialty" requirements that defense counsel often challenge.
Expert Reports, Depositions & Trial Testimony
When your case needs a formal opinion, Mary Ellen writes clear, well-supported expert reports. She prepares carefully for depositions and testifies at trial in plain language that jurors can follow. Her current bedside practice makes her testimony credible and hard to discredit as outdated.
Attorney Consulting & Case Education
NICU care has its own language, equipment and routines. Mary Ellen helps your legal team understand it. She explains the clinical picture, flags what records may be missing, and helps you prepare deposition questions for opposing nursing witnesses. She's available as a consulting expert even if she isn't the testifying expert.
Neonatal & Infant Case Types I Review
Mary Ellen reviews nursing care for infants from birth to 8 months, including premature and medically complex babies. Common case types include:
Respiratory
- Meconium Aspiration
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
- Tracheostomies
Cardiopulmonary
- PDA Ligation
- Pulmonary Hypertension
GI/GU
- Abdominal Wall Defects
- Peritoneal Dialysis
Infection
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
- Meningitis
Neurological
- HIE
- Birth Asphyxia
- Therapeutic Hypothermia
- Seizures
- Hydrocephalus
Genetic / Metabolic
- Hypoglycemia
- Congenital Genetic Disorders
Other
- IV infiltrations and Extravasations
- Medication Errors
Don't see your case type? Reach out. If it involves NICU or infant nursing care, Mary Ellen can tell you quickly whether she's the right expert.
Why Attorneys Choose Mary Ellen
- Active bedside NICU nurse. She has practiced in a Level IV NICU since 2004, so her opinions reflect today's standards, not those of 10 years ago.
- The right credentials. She has 25 years as an RN, holds CCRN-N, NRP and PALS certifications, and is a member of AACN and NANN.
- Plaintiff and defense. She gives an objective opinion based on the records, whichever side retains her.
- No signed contract to get started. Talk through your case first and decide if it's a fit.
- Free initial case call. Get a quick sense of the nursing issues at no cost.
- Flexible turnaround. Most record reviews are done in 2 to 4 weeks, and rush timelines are available when deadlines are tight.
- Nationwide. She's based in Boston and works with attorneys across the country.
How It Works: From First Call to Expert Opinion
Free case call
Call, text or send a message with a brief summary of the case. Mary Ellen will tell you whether it falls within her expertise and what records she'll need.
Send the records
Share the medical records securely, along with any key dates or deadlines.
Review and verbal opinion
Mary Ellen reviews the records and walks you through her findings, usually within 2 to 4 weeks.
Report, affidavit or testimony
If the case moves forward, she prepares the written work your case needs and supports you through deposition and trial.
Common Questions About NICU Nurse Expert Services
Question 1: What does a NICU nurse expert witness do?
A NICU nurse expert reviews the nursing care given to a newborn or infant. She gives an opinion on whether that care met the accepted standard and supports the case with affidavits, reports and testimony. Nursing standards are separate from physician standards, so many cases need a nurse expert as well as a physician expert.
Question 2: Do you work with both plaintiff and defense attorneys?
Yes. Mary Ellen is retained by both plaintiff and defense counsel. Her opinions are based only on the records and current NICU nursing standards.
Question 3: How long does a case review take?
Most record reviews are completed in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how many records there are. If you have a filing deadline, mention it on the first call.
Question 4: Is there a cost to discuss my case?
No. The first case call is free, and no signed contract is needed to start the conversation.
Let's Talk About Your Case
Whether you're screening a new case or preparing for trial, a short conversation can tell you whether the nursing care holds up. Call or text Mary Ellen at (774) 284-0244, or send a message, and she'll follow up within one business day.
Tell Me About Your CaseMary Ellen Bouve provides expert services independently. Her opinions are her own and do not represent any hospital or employer.