What Is a Deposition & How Do They Affect Personal Injury Cases?

A deposition is an out-of-court testimony. It is a question and answer session where a party questions the other. In a personal injury case, each side can use a deposition to gather information. The potentially liable party has the legal right to obtain information about the injury. They also have the right to see which documents are available in the case.

At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, our Texas attorneys can represent you during your deposition and throughout the legal process. If someone else caused your injury through a slip and fall accident, a truck accident, or another negligence incident, we can to help. We charge on contingency and will fight for you. Call us at 713-850-8600 for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney .

Do I Have to Attend a Deposition?

If you were ordered by a court to be a part of a deposition, you must attend.

It is important to remember that the deposition is an important part of the legal process. It allows you to tell your side of the story and learn more about the at-fault party’s recollection of the events.

Who Will Be Present at the Deposition?

There are a few people that you can expect to see at the deposition. Both sides will have attorneys present during the meeting. You will also probably see the individual parties involved in the case, a court reporter, and, in some cases, a videographer.

What Types of Questions Will I Have to Answer at a Deposition?

The specific questions asked at a deposition will depend on the personal injury case. In most cases, the filing attorney is attempting to prove that a negligent activity led to an injury, meaning the questions asked will relate to specific actions or events. The types of questions asked could include a variety of topics.

Personal Background Information

You might have to confirm identifying information about yourself, such as your current address, job, legal history, or medical history.

The Specific Injuries You Suffered

Because the case will involve a specific injury, this will be an important topic during the deposition. It is likely you will face questions regarding the events leading to your injury, the medical care you received, and the cause of the injury.

Your Life After the Injury

The defense will also want to know how the injury has affected your life. They will ask questions about your expected medical care. You might face questions about your loss of future earning capacity  if caused by the accident.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me During a Deposition?

Facing an attorney can be a frightening prospect, especially when you are trying to recover from an injury. Our attorneys can help you with your deposition in the following ways.

Help You Prepare for the Deposition

Our attorneys will help you prepare. It is important to take your time when answering questions because everything is on the record. You do not want to misspeak or use a vague statement that could mean something else. Doing so could give the at-fault party a reason to deny your claim.

We can help you prepare by:

  • Educating you on the deposition process and letting you know what to expect;
  • Using role-playing exercises to make you feel comfortable with the deposition process; and
  • Offering tips on expected deposition etiquette, including information on what to wear, how to make polite conversation, and the importance of honesty.

We also arrange the deposition when necessary. It is important that we ask the right questions during a deposition to fully prepare your case.

Negotiate a Settlement

A settlement offer can sometimes follow a deposition. We will assist you in evaluating the settlement offer. If the offer is too low, we can take your claim to trial.

How Can I Start Working With a Lawyer Today?

Working with a personal injury attorney at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, can ensure that you feel fully prepared for the deposition process. Call us at 713-850-8600 to get started with your free consultation.