In addition to knowing the questions that are likely to be asked, it is important to know how to answer questions at a North Carolina worker’s compensation deposition of you, the Plaintiff. Here are a few things to consider when being questioned at a deposition.
- Make sure you understand the question before answering it. Also wait until the full question has been asked. This way, you are answering the right question and not volunteering information. Delay also lets the court reporter have time to get the question down correctly. Plus, sometimes your lawyer may object to the question.
- Give oral responses and not head-shakes.
- Be brief. Do not give long-winded answers. If you can answer with a ‘yes, sir,’ or ‘yes mam,’ or a ‘no sir’, or ‘no mam’, then do it. If the lawyer wants more information, he or she can always ask another question. The fact is, the less you say, the quicker the deposition will go.
- If you do not understand the question, ask lawyer to explain the question or rephrase the question. Do not answer a question you do not understand.
- If your lawyer objects, stop talking and let him finish. Wait for your lawyer to object and listen to the objection. Many questions such as questions about lawyer-client conversations or other questions may be privileged which means you do not have to answer them.
- Try not get angry. The more calm you seem, the better impression you will generally make – even if the question is meant to annoy you.
- On the other hand, do not become complacent and fall back into everyday speech. The other lawyer may seem very nice—do not be fooled. Their job is to obtain information, but if the defense lawyer can trip you up and ruin your case—he will do it.
- Take your time. If you need to think about your answer for a bit, then do it. There will not be a notation made by the Court Reporter as to how long you took. It will just have a question and your answer. Make sure it’s the right answer.
- Most importantly, make sure you are truthful. Lying under oath is a crime and will never help your case.
Experienced North Carolina Lawyer Joe Miller Understands Pain Management for Injured Workers
Injured North Carolina workers need an attorney who knows more than the law. They need someone who has the hands-on practical experience to guide the worker through all stages of a worker’s compensation claim – including how pain management doctors work. Get the experienced you need. Contact Lawyer Joe Miller today at 888-694-1671 for an appointment or complete my online form.
