Want to know two ways you can hurt your deposition testimony? For many people, going to a deposition creates a lot of worry and anxiety. This can be due to the fact many people have never had to attend a deposition and they have no way to know what to expect.
Even though a deposition is unchartered ground for many people, it is an important tool in the discovery phase of a civil case. Add to this, depending on the jurisdiction, deposition testimony can be used later at trial. With that said, once a person understands the importance of their deposition, they want to know two ways you can hurt your deposition testimony. Even though there are other ways, this Maryland medical malpractice educational article will focus on these two ways.
WHAT IS A DEPOSITION?
What is a deposition? The easiest way to think of a deposition is that it is a question and answer session. One side will ask questions of the witness, with the other side getting a chance to ask follow-up questions.
In most depositions there will be multiple parties present. You will be there with your attorney if you have an attorney representing you. The defense will be present in most cases with their attorney.
In addition to the actual parties to the case, a court reporter will attend the deposition. The purpose of the court reporter is to take down all of the testimony given, and who gave said testimony. A videographer may also be present to use video to record the deposition.
WANT TO KNOW TWO WAYS YOU CAN HURT YOUR DEPOSITION TESTIMONY?
The first way in which you can hurt your deposition testimony is to answer a question that you do not understand. Even though this sounds easy enough not to do, plenty of people will do it. Remember what I stated above, depending on your jurisdiction, your deposition might be used in your trial. Answering a question that you really do not understand can sometimes lead to conflicting testimony later in the case. If you do not understand the question, it is fine to ask the attorney for clarification of the question.
Secondly, telling lies in your deposition can sink your case like a rock. If your deposition can be used at the trial, the opposing side might be able to impeach your trial testimony with your deposition testimony, or vice versa.
DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have suffered an injury at the hands of a doctor or hospital, and the injury happened in Maryland, this is what I invite you to do. Pick up the phone and give me a call.
I can be reached at 301-850-4832. Questions like yours I answer all the time and I would be happy to listen to your story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
Boston Law Group, LLC
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 700
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
