Under the GA Civil Practice Act, opposing counsel has the right to take your deposition upon proper notice. As a party to civil litigation you may be required to appear at a specific time and place to give your oral testimony under oath and taken down by a court reporter for transcription.
Introduction and background questions?
Opposing counsel usually gives a brief explanation of the deposition procedures includng the fact that your testimony taken down by a court reporter before trial has the same force and effect as if you were testifying in the courtroom. If you are represented your attorney will attend with you and object to any improper questions. After you are sworn under oath the process goes something like this: Names, Address, Date of birth, Marital Status, Family in County, Membership in Churches and Civil Organizations, Education & Training, Current Job, Job at time of incident, Driver’s license information, Eyeglasses, Driver’s education.
Prior or Subsequent Accidents / Injuries?
The opposing attorney will ask you all about any prior accidents and injuries. They will ask you to describe the events, locations, dates and times, parties involved. The specific body parts injuired and the doctors and hospitals that treated you for such injuries. Additionally, the opposing attorney will inquire about any prior medical history, surgries, hospitalizations, on-going health issues like high blood pressure, lupus or other such problems.
Prior or Subsequent Lawsuits, Bankruptcy, Military Experience, Criminal Record?
There will be a line of questions delving into any Prior or Subsequent Lawsuits, Bankruptcy, Military Experience, Criminal Record and wanting to know names, places, dates etc.
Accident / Incident Facts
Opposing counsel will ask you to tell your story of what happened then they will go back and break it down into smaller questions to help understand the facts depending on the type of case. Nature of roadway, number of lanes, straight, flat or hilly? Posted speed limit? Travel that way before? Where you coming from or going? Weather conditions? Traffic conditions? Vehicle movements? Point of Impact? Hit anything inside of car? Damage to vehicles? Photographs?
Curent Injuries / Medical Treatment?
What specific body parts where injuries? Timing of complaint of injury? Any lacerations? Broken Bones? Ambulance? ER or overnight hospitalization? Any surgery to date? Future surgery or hospitalizations? Names, dates and time of treatment by medical providers? Pain levels? Frequency of Pain? Disabilities or limitations of activities? Trips and/or vacations following accident or injury? Any medical treatment while on trips or vacation? Total amount of bills?
An attorney may also delve into more specific details and that can be overwhelming, especially when you have been involved in an accident. This is why it is important that you are represented by an experienced attorney. If you have been in an accident or are about to undergo a deposition for any type of litigation, having the right attorney can help ease your mind considerably about the process. Contact us if you need legal representation. We will work with you to understand your situation and help you get any compensation to which you may be entitled.
