Toward the end of the litigation process of your dog bite claim, the defense attorney assigned to the case may want to schedule you for a deposition. They will ask you questions about the dog attack and you will be given a chance to respond. With a little preparation, you can feel more comfortable before you give your deposition.
What is a Deposition?
A deposition is the process of a party giving sworn evidence through testimony regarding their dog bite claim. Depositions are used throughout the legal system, not just in personal injury law. You can expect that the defense attorney, Mr. Cowhey (as your attorney), and a court reporter will be present. The defense attorney will ask not only general questions related to your dog bite incident, but also any and all questions relevant to the matter at hand. As your attorney, Mr. Cowhey can object to any line of questioning that he feels is either irrelevant or not appropriate, given the facts of the case and the laws governing it.
Reasons for a Deposition
There are several reasons that a deposition will take place. The main reasons for requesting a deposition are:
- Gather information. Attorneys for the insurance company or the defendant will want to see if they can uncover new information.
- Have a verifiable account. Whether from witnesses or others involved in the dog bite, a deposition secures testimony and acts as an accountability measure if the dog bite case goes to trial.
- Preserve sworn testimony. The legal process can be lengthy and may even take years. A deposition provides a means of recording the account of events while it is still fresh.
Your Role in a Deposition
The person giving the deposition is called the deponent. It is an opportunity for you, as the dog bite victim, to give your personal account of what happened during the dog bite incident and to provide evidence as to your damages and related medical treatment.
Think carefully about your answers and answer questions honestly. Answer only questions asked to you, it is not necessary to volunteer information. Your answers can be brief and to the point. Take a break if you need to. Dress professionally and try to remain calm before and during the deposition. Here are some tips on giving a deposition.
Mr. Cowhey makes it a point to meet with his clients prior to the deposition so that they can feel comfortable and fully prepared to answer any questions that the defense attorney may have.
Where Does a Deposition Take Place?
Most depositions are conducted “in-house” at one of our New Jersey offices. They can also take place at another law office. When presenting a claim for dog bite injuries, make sure that you select an attorney that ensures his clients’ comfort and readiness to conduct depositions.
The Role of Your Attorney
As your dog bite attorney, Mr. Cowhey will advise you on what you can expect before the deposition. You can ask him any questions that you may have. During the deposition, he will be by your side, will object to any inappropriate questions and you can let him know when you need to take a break.
It is always a good idea to have an attorney present at a deposition. Call David J. Cowhey, the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, today at (609) 513-0627 to receive a free consultation and assessment of your dog bite case.
Note: Since the Covid-19 pandemic, depositions have been conducted virtually using online platforms.
Updated October 5, 2021
