Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prepare for a deposition?

A: Your attorney will assist you in preparing for your deposition. In most cases you will be given plenty of notice so that you will have time to prepare. In addition to advice given to you by your attorney, you should consider the following:

a. Dress appropriately as though you were going for a job interview.

b. Read your interrogatory answers and any other documents your attorney instructs you to read. Read them carefully -- do not just skim through them. Preparation will mean a better chance of a favorable settlement.

c. Tell the truth even if you think the answer might hurt you. The worse possible answer is an answer which is a lie. If the defense attorney catches you in a lie, he or she now has the opportunity to destroy your entire case.

d. Do not argue with the defense attorney. It will never do you a bit of good to argue with the defense attorney.

e. Be polite. It can only help you and will never hurt you.

f. Listen carefully to the attorney's questions. Do not jump ahead and answer the questions before the attorney finishes.

g. Think before speaking.

h. Do not agree just because the defense attorney asks you to agree. Some defense attorneys use the trick of making several statements to which you agree. Then, they throw in a final statement which may not be true, but because you are so used to agreeing, you admit something that you should not. Therefore, it is important to listen to each statement or question care­fully.

i. Do not answer or explain more than is necessary. Some witnesses ramble on and on. Rambling will destroy your case. Simply answer the questions and do not explain your answer unless you are requested to do so.

j. Look the defense attorney in the eye as much as possible.

k. Speak clearly.