Stopping Answers
Another key to a successful deposition is to know when to stop answering. Often the defense lawyer uses the deposition as a fishing expedition to hook anything of use to the defense case. That is why many questions that seem completely irrelevant to the accident are asked. Believe it or not, this is generally permitted by the courts.
Since the other lawyer is attempting to…
DEPOSITIONS
The discovery deposition is one of the most important stages in the litigation of a personal injury lawsuit. It is during the discovery deposition that the insurance company’s lawyer gets the opportunity to question the accident victim in person about the accident and the injuries suffered. Similarly, at the defendant’s deposition, your lawyer is able to discover much about t…
The Discovery Process
In the old days, trials were even more like war than they are now. Modern discovery rules have put an end to the sneak attacks that until recently characterized litigation. These days, each side is required to respond to the other side’s requests for information concerning the case. If it fails to do so voluntarily, the court, upon the motion of the requesting party, w…
CHOICE OF VENUE
Often there is a choice of counties in which the lawsuit may be brought. This is known as choice of venue. For example, if the accident happened in one county, but the defendant resides in another county, your case probably can be filed in either county. In some areas, one county has an advantage over other counties because the awards are generally higher. For example, awards…
CHOICE OF TRIALS
The first major choice that must be made regarding the filing of a personal injury lawsuit involves the type of trial you wish to have. You and your lawyer must determine whether to demand a jury trial, a trial before a judge without a jury, or a hearing of a more informal nature. The choice you make may determine how quickly your case is decided and the maximum amount of…
At the time you send the settlement demand letter, the insurance company is operating with incomplete information. You have selectively presented them with only the strongest aspects of your case. For example, if you were in an accident just a year before the accident case you are trying to currently settle, you might choose not to admit that fact in your settlement demand letter. You are not…
Information on jury selection in paralysis personal injury cases from an injury attorney.
In Philadelphia, and perhaps in your town, jury trials of serious injuries, like paralysis injuries, either go into a trial pool or are given a date certain. A date certain is just what it sounds like. The court advises the attorneys that trial will begin on a certain date. This is very helpful, since the attorneys and witnesses can mark the trial on their calendars.
During the trial poo…
If a case involving paralysis does not settle shortly after the depositions, get ready for trial. You and your client must meet in advance to prepare. All lawyers prepare their witnesses. This is especially true in paralysis cases since the damages are so large. At the meeting, you and your client will run through the possible questions and answers. You will want to hear how your client w…
The five senses are traditionally thought of as sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. The loss of even part of one of our senses can be devastating. How much moreso when the loss is total and/or to multiple senses. Perhaps the sense of taste is the one that most people would choose, if they had to lose one. But think how life would be so much less full without the ability to truly enjoy a…
