What To Expect During A Deposition For A Slip-And-Fall Injury

Posted on: 10 May 2023

Within the legal system, testimony can be collected in various ways. One of these ways is the deposition process. While a deposition is performed outside the confines of a courtroom or trial, it is nonetheless a legal testimony used to highlight specific facts about a case. If you sustained a slip-and-fall injury while visiting a store, or other commercial structure, you will likely be required to undergo this procedure. Continue reading to learn more about what you should expect. 

Swearing-In

Again, the deposition is legal testimony. As a result, before the process begins, you will be sworn in. Make sure you understand that this step is more than a procedural process; it is also a commitment on your part, to tell the truth. Any information that you misstate will be used to disprove your slip-and-fall case.

Personal Verification

Some people find the verification step to be the most frustrating part of the deposition. You might feel like you are only there to talk about the slip-and-fall incident, but you will first be asked questions about yourself to verify who you are. This verification might include questions about your date of birth to the number of children you have.

History Recap

You will likely be asked questions about your medical history to build on the information gathered during the personal verification. You must only state accurate information during this step, as the information collected here could be used against you. For instance, if you injured your back during the fall but speak about having back pain in the past, this information could be used to argue your pain is from something other than the fall. 

Incident Details

You will then be asked to go into detail about the events that led up to your fall. This step is crucial because it allows you to tell your side of the story. Your attorney will review your initial recollection of the fall and any discovered evidence to help you formulate the best description of the incident.

Injury Review

Another critical step is the injury review process. During this part of the deposition, you will be asked to describe, in detail, the injuries you sustained as a result of the fall, along with your prognosis. To ensure you do not misstate any information, it is best to provide details directly from your medical records to answer these questions.

Again, your attorney will sit down with you to help you prepare for this process, so rest assured that you can ask about any concerns you might have. 

Contact a local law firm to learn more about personal injury consultations.

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