deposition in personal injury case

Has anyone had to give a deposition and their injury case and then NOT go to trial? (due to a settlement being reached?) I just want all this whole long process over!

Thank you!

PLEASE DON'T QUOTE :)

Message edited 4/5/2016 7:56:18 PM.

Re: deposition in personal injury case

Most cases don't go to trial even if there is a deposition. Deposition is just part of the process.

deposition in personal injury case

I worked in this field. Depositions are just part of the discovery process. A deposition doesn't necessarily mean it will go to trial. Such few cases actually make it to trial, and settle all the time, even on the eve of trial. Cases settle all the time. Just have your attorney prep you, and answer honestly without expanding on questions. Answer only what is asked. If you don't know, say you don't know. Prepare to have the same or similar question asked multiple different ways.

Re: deposition in personal injury case

I am a personal injury attorney. 95% of cases settle before trial. Depositions are just part of the litigation and settlement process.

deposition in personal injury case

As the pp's stated, most cases settle before trial. And in my experience most settle after depositions, not before. After depositions both sides have a much better idea of where they truly stand, what their strengths and weaknesses are.

Re: deposition in personal injury case

Thank you so much for your responses. I have so much going on right now and although I have absolutely nothing to hide, this gives me anxiety. Thanks again, you've all helped me relax :)

Re: deposition in personal injury case

No, we went to trial after our depositions. I want to say like 2 years later, in total it took 5 years. We ended up settling on the 4th or 5th day of trial.

Re: deposition in personal injury case

Most cases never make it to trial. Less than 5% actually make it to trial, and even then a lot of cases settle. Make sure you are well prepped by your attorney. In general, your attorney can't interrupt or interject, or remind you of something you forgot to say. Listen closely to every word that is asked and only answer what is asked. Don't go on and on in your answers. If you don't understand what the attorney asked, then you can say I don't understand or please clarify what you are asking, but even then don't give choices, just answer the question that was asked honestly. It is also ok to say you don't know. Dress comfortably. Bring a snack in your bag or a sucking candy. Go to the bathroom before hand.

Message edited 4/5/2016 11:13:11 PM.

deposition in personal injury case

As said above - only answer the question that is asked. You are not there for tell the story of what happened. You are only there to answer the questions asked. It is the other attorneys job to ask the right questions to get information from you.

Re: deposition in personal injury case

As everyone said, just answer the question. Don't go on and on volunteering information. A lot of people do that and it doesn't help and makes the whole process more difficult and longer.

Re: deposition in personal injury case

I also wanted to add, the attorneys on your side should "coach" you... to a point anyway. They'll meet with you a little beforehand and talk about what they expect and try to make you feel a bit more comfortable. They may do some practice questions to get a feel for your answers. Definitely don't elaborate when not necessary, just answer the questions honestly. You'll be fine. And like everyone else said, there's a very good chance the case will never make it to trial.

deposition in personal injury case

Yes, gave a deposition as did my husband and the case ended up settling before trial.

Re: deposition in personal injury case

Posted by Momma2015

I also wanted to add, the attorneys on your side should "coach" you... to a point anyway. They'll meet with you a little beforehand and talk about what they expect and try to make you feel a bit more comfortable. They may do some practice questions to get a feel for your answers. Definitely don't elaborate when not necessary, just answer the questions honestly. You'll be fine. And like everyone else said, there's a very good chance the case will never make it to trial.