Things to Know About a Deposition

Coverage of this Article

Introduction

-When it comes to a personal injury case, you can expect to go through a deposition. It's part of the discovery process where they get details from what happened on both sides. When you file a lawsuit, the other side has the right to know what happened from your perspective. Here are some things to know about a deposition.

Meeting With Your Attorney Before the Deposition

-One of the best things to do before you state your case is to meet with your lawyer. An attorney can show you a deposition summary example to help you get all of your facts organized. You may spend hours going over everything to make sure you leave no stone unturned.

Think About the Day of the Deposition

-Make sure you dress appropriately. Professional attire helps you look more confident, and it makes a good impression. Think about how you'll answer the questions. Remember, answers shouldn't be like an essay.

What Types of Questions Do They Ask You?

-The best thing to do is to answer truthfully. If you're unsure about a date or time, give an estimate. You never want to go in a pre-trial testimony with half-hearted answers. It can feel like a grilling session, but your attorney is there to protect you from improper questions.

Introduction

When it comes to a personal injury case, you can expect to go through a deposition. It's part of the discovery process where they get details from what happened on both sides. When you file a lawsuit, the other side has the right to know what happened from your perspective. Here are some things to know about a deposition.

Meeting With Your Attorney Before the Deposition

One of the best things to do before you state your case is to meet with your lawyer. An attorney can show you a deposition summary example to help you get all of your facts organized. You may spend hours going over everything to make sure you leave no stone unturned.

Even though it may be inconvenient to spend hours going through everything, it helps in the long run. You'll be more aware of what's going on with your statements and how they can help guide you through the case. Not to mention, they're mentally preparing you for lies ahead.

A deposition can last all day, and you need to have the will to get through it.

Think About the Day of the Deposition

Make sure you dress appropriately. Professional attire helps you look more confident, and it makes a good impression. Think about how you'll answer the questions. Remember, answers shouldn't be like an essay.

When the attorney asks you a question, take a few second to think of what you'll say. Answer the question concisely.

Control the situation so the attorney can't take advantage of what you say.

Don't be afraid to take breaks. You're there for 7 hours or more. You can take a few minutes to use the bathroom, drink some water, or grab a snack to break things up a bit.

What Types of Questions Do They Ask You?

A defense attorney may ask you the following questions:

• What was your physical condition before the injury?
• What is your name, date of birth, address, and work history?
• How did the accident happen? Were there any witnesses?
• Did you see the doctor immediately?
• How did the injuries impact your life?

The best thing to do is to answer truthfully. If you're unsure about a date or time, give an estimate. You never want to go in a pre-trial testimony with half-hearted answers. It can feel like a grilling session, but your attorney is there to protect you from improper questions.

Do your best to stay calm and give yourself to respond confidently and honestly.