The prospect of sitting for a deposition can be daunting. When you’re involved in a personal injury case, the idea of being peppered with questions by the other side’s aggressive attorney is understandably intimidating. If you know what to expect ahead of time and how to factually and accurately answer questions while protecting your own interests, the stress of the process can be reduced.

That’s why it is of vital importance to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side when you are being deposed. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can prepare you for your deposition and be there to ensure your rights and interests are being upheld. To schedule a free consultation of your case, call Paul Padda Law at (702) 366-1888, or reach out via the online form.

Understanding Depositions

What is a deposition in a personal injury case? It is a part of “discovery,” which is the information gathering phase of a civil suit. You will be asked questions, under oath, related to your case, just as you would be in a courtroom.

Unlike being in a courtroom, however, there is no judge or jury present during a deposition. Depositions are handled by the attorneys involved in a case, and attorneys for both sides may ask questions. A court reporter is usually present to record the testimony and prepare a transcript of what is said. In addition to the plaintiff and defendant in a lawsuit, other people who might be present at a deposition, depending upon the size and details of a case, include witnesses, attorneys for witnesses, expert witnesses, insurance adjusters, and possibly others with interests in the case.

Depositions are generally held in the office or law firm conference room of the deposing attorney, or in another location that the attorney chooses. They are scheduled ahead of time, so you know exactly when you are expected to be there. A deposition can take just a couple of hours, or it might take days – it all depends on the complexity of your personal injury case.

Deposition Day

To make a positive impression from the start, dress appropriately for your deposition. You don’t want your clothes to be distracting or give off a negative impression. Wear professional attire in neutral or understated colors. If you have an attorney assisting you with your case, they can advise you on proper clothing to wear.

Arrive on time. Showing up late or not at all may make you appear untrustworthy. If you get stuck in traffic or are otherwise unavoidably delayed, contact your attorney or the deposing attorney’s office right away to let them know.

During questioning, you should:

  • Listen closely when asked a question and speak calmly and clearly when answering. If you don’t understand what you were asked, ask for clarification.
  • Answer all inquiries factually and honestly, but don’t volunteer excess information which the opposing attorney might use to lead you in the wrong direction.
  • If you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest. Don’t try to think or make up an answer.
  • Remember that you are under oath and must tell the truth as you know it. You can be accused of perjury for deliberately lying under oath.
  • Ask for a break if you need one.

Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Thinking about an upcoming deposition shouldn’t leave you sleepless. At Paul Padda Law, we have years of experience handling all facets and phases of personal injury cases. We can help you successfully prepare for and get through a deposition and a personal injury lawsuit. If you help, contact us today at (702) 366-1888 to schedule a free, initial case evaluation.