Tips For Surviving The Depositions Miami Lawyers Conduct

By Steven Taylor


If you find yourself embroiled in a lawsuit, either as a litigant or a witness, you may not be familiar with the process of gathering information prior to the actual court proceedings. It may surprise you to learn that you have to tell your story to the lawyers prior to ever going to court. In Florida, whether or not a case even goes to trial may be determined during the depositions Miami attorneys conduct.

If you are involved in a lawsuit for the first time, you may be unfamiliar with the deposition process. It is important that you prepare your testimony prior to the actual meeting. You will be under oath and may be asked all kinds of questions. Everything you say during this time may be introduced into court. Your attorney will go through the process with you before you have to appear.

The most important thing you can do is tell the truth. The lawyers for the other side will be verifying your testimony for accuracy and truthfulness. Even if one of the attorneys brings up something that is embarrassing or less than flattering, you should never deny or try to evade a truthful answer to their questions. Your best option is complete honesty.

It is also very important to be as accurate as possible when you are describing your part in the circumstances surrounding the case at hand. If you don't understand a question, you have the right to ask the lawyer to repeat it or give you an explanation before you answer. If you don't remember something, you should say so. Guessing at the answer is not an acceptable response.

Unless you are absolutely certain of something, you should avoid giving an absolute answer to an attorney's question. These are often the statements that the opposing side pounces on. If even one little part of the statement turns out to be contradictory to other facts in the case, your credibility will be damaged.

Documents, pertinent to a case, are often introduced as evidence. During a deposition you may be asked if a particular document looks familiar to you or if you signed it. It is very important that you look the paperwork over carefully before giving your answer. The wrong answer could strongly affect the outcome of the case.

You need to be polite and cooperative during this process. It is important that you leave both sides with a good impression of your ability to recall events accurately and truthfully. Getting angry or defensive can be hurtful to your testimony. Becoming emotional may be inevitable, but you should maintain your composure as much as possible.

Being involved in a lawsuit is never easy and seldom pleasant. The deposition process is a time for you to tell your part of the story truthfully and completely. Lawyers for both sides may decide to settle based partly on the strength of your testimony.




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