Following deposition, the parties involved in a case review the transcript. Depending on what was said during the deposition, this information may be used as part of a settlement negotiation. Or, the information provided during a deposition in a personal injury lawsuit or any other type of case may be used during a trial.
Barrios Virguez Attorneys can help you prepare for a deposition. For more information about our legal services, get in touch with us. We can explain how a deposition works and what you can do to get ready for one.
What You Need to Know About a Deposition
You can be summoned to a deposition as part of the discovery process in a legal case. During your deposition, an attorney will ask you questions. You are legally required to respond to these questions.
If you choose not to answer a deposition question, an attorney can compel the court to require you to respond. It can be difficult to answer personal questions and many others in a deposition. With help from an attorney, you can plan ahead for deposition questions and boost your chances of remaining calm, cool, and collected throughout the proceeding.
Barrios Virguez Attorneys is a Georgia law firm with many years of experience with depositions. Before you go to a deposition, meet with an attorney from our firm. We can offer tips and insights to make sure you are fully prepared for your deposition and what will happen after it.
For a free legal consultation, call 678-888-2222
Tips to Help You Get Ready for a Deposition
A deposition can last anywhere from one hour to several. With proper planning, you can get through a deposition without compromising your legal case. Here are tips to help you prepare for your deposition and put yourself in the best position to succeed during the proceeding.
Consider the Defendant’s Point of View
Think about what the defendant will want to learn from you. Next, you can prepare for any questions you may receive during your deposition. An attorney that has a great track record with clients can ask you questions you may get so you know what to expect when you receive these same ones during your deposition.
Take Your Time to Answer Deposition Questions
Do not rush to answer a deposition question. Rather, it helps to take a deep breath, consider the question carefully, and then respond to it. If you want an attorney to repeat or clarify a question, let them know.
Never Volunteer Information
When you get a deposition question, answer it, and do not provide any additional information. Remember, it is in your best interests to keep the information you provide to a defendant’s attorney to a minimum. Otherwise, you risk giving out information that can compromise your case.
Try Not to Get Too Emotional
Expect the defendant’s attorney to ask you questions designed to elicit an emotional response from you. Once again, it is paramount to remain as relaxed as possible during your deposition. Instead of making a rash response, take a deep breath and respond to each question as best as you can.
Tell the Truth
Do not lie under any circumstances during your deposition. You are under oath, and if you are found to be lying, you can face severe penalties. On top of that, you are likely to destroy your chances of getting the best possible results out of your case against the defendant.
Along with these things, it pays to partner with an attorney to help you navigate the ins and outs of a deposition. Your lawyer can answer your legal questions about your deposition and help you plan for the proceeding. In addition, your lawyer will attend your deposition with you to make sure that your legal rights are protected.
What to Expect After Your Deposition
You may experience a sense of relief after your deposition. If you have hired an attorney, you and your lawyer can discuss your deposition. You and your lawyer can determine the next steps in your case based on your deposition responses.
If you told the truth and have a strong case against the defendant in your case, your deposition may put you in a strong position to negotiate a fair settlement. Your lawyer may engage with negotiations with the defendant’s attorney and use your deposition responses as further proof that you deserve compensation. This may help you negotiate a settlement before your case goes to trial.
Even if you perform well in a deposition, a settlement prior to trial is not guaranteed. The defendant’s attorney may try to use various pieces of information that you provided during your deposition against you during a trial. Regardless, your lawyer does everything they can to help you get the most compensation possible in your case.
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How a Court Handles a Deposition Transcript
A judge or jury can review a deposition transcript that is submitted as evidence during a trial. For example, the defendant’s attorney in a car accident case may cite information from your deposition in their argument against you. On the other hand, your lawyer can help you contest the defendant’s attorney’s argument.
It is important to note that a deposition is only one piece of information that can be used as evidence in a trial. You may offer medical bills and other documents to support your request for damages in your case. A judge or jury will review your evidence alongside any provided by the defendant before they make a final decision.
If you are worried that what you said during a deposition will ruin your case, try not to stress over this issue. Your attorney can help you figure out the best way to argue your case based on your deposition transcript and other factors. With help from your lawyer, you can present a compelling argument to help you secure damages that line up with your expectations.
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Find a Lawyer to Help You Prepare for Your Deposition
The team at Barrios Virguez Attorneys can help you prepare for your deposition and much more. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form