3 Tips For Doing A Deposition For A Personal Injury

If you have been injured at the fault of another person, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Being able to financially recover from your losses is critical to your well-being. As the plaintiff, it is your responsibility to provide the proof to help win your case. One of the most critical times to do this is during the discovery stage. You may be asked to complete a deposition, and knowing tips to help this be successful can strengthen your case.

What is a Deposition?

When you're required to meet with the opposing side's attorney face-to-face and answer a series of questions, this is known as a deposition.

Listed below are important things to know about this meeting:

  1. You will be sworn in under oath to ensure you tell the truth.
  2. There will be a court reporter present to transcribe the deposition.
  3. A deposition may be used in court to help prove your case.

Tip #1:  Be Brief

Answer any questions that you are asked with a yes or no answer, if possible. This will avoid the need for you to go into further detail and prevent the possibility of saying something you shouldn't.

Remember the defendant's attorney is working to get information out of you to build the defendant's case.

Tip #2: Prepare ahead

Be sure to meet with your lawyer and go over the possible questions that may be asked at the deposition. Additionally, you should discuss the details of what may happen at this critical meeting.

Listed below are items to discuss with your attorney:

  1. Do you have to answer all the questions that are asked of you?
  2. How long does a deposition typically last?
  3. Can you take a break during the deposition?
  4. Can you confer privately during this meeting?

Take the time to make a list of the questions you have to discuss with your lawyer.

Tip #3: Understand the question

Before providing an answer during the deposition, be sure that you fully understand what is being asked of you. If you are uncertain, say so. Do not make a guess, or you may provide information that can be used against you. Your attorney will object to any inappropriate questions.

Finally, completing a deposition can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may have better results by preparing in advance. Be sure to work with a personal injury attorney like Oot & Associates Law Offices to learn the details of what to expect at your deposition and how to have the most success.


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