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How to Know If Your Deposition Went Well

Seth Harris

Last modified on August 9, 2023

Navigating a personal injury case can feel like a high-stakes maze, particularly when you’re juggling medical bills and lost income. One critical step in a personal injury case is your deposition. Testifying under oath might seem intimidating, but doing so is an opportunity to tell your story. But how do you gauge if your deposition was a success if you’ve never done one before? This blog post will guide you through understanding depositions, their role in your case, how to recognize if yours went well, and the next steps if it didn’t.

What Is a Deposition?

DepositionA deposition is a part of the discovery process in a lawsuit where you provide sworn testimony to the opposing attorney. Think of it as an interview under oath where your responses get recorded and could be referenced in court later. While giving a deposition may feel like you’ve stepped into the lion’s den, remember that your attorney is there with you to ensure a fair process.

The Role of Depositions in a Personal Injury Claim

Depositions play a vital role in a personal injury claim. They offer an opportunity for both sides to gather information and understand the case better. For you, it’s a chance to tell your side of the story. For the opposing party, it’s their first look at how you present yourself and your claim. The results can affect both the settlement negotiations and the eventual outcome at trial, making it a crucial aspect of your personal injury claim.

Signs Your Deposition Went Well

Recognizing the signs of success can provide some peace of mind. Here are some indicators:

  • Preparation: If you went in feeling prepared and came out feeling like you understood and responded to the questions confidently and truthfully, that’s a positive sign. A good attorney will help you anticipate potential questions and prepare your responses.
  • Attorney Feedback: Your attorney’s feedback post-deposition is an essential indicator. If they express satisfaction with your performance and the course of the deposition, chances are, you did well.
  • No Unexpected Curveballs: If the opposing counsel didn’t manage to surprise you with unexpected questions, or if they failed to rattle your composure, it likely means you held your own effectively.
  • Consistent Testimony: Consistency is key in a deposition. If your testimony aligned with your prior statements and evidence, you likely presented a strong and credible account.

What Happens If It Did Not Go Well?

Don’t lose heart if you feel your deposition didn’t go as planned. Feeling nervous or misspeaking can happen. The important thing is to regroup and strategize with your attorney. This might involve issuing a clarifying statement, intensifying preparation for the trial, or reassessing the approach to settlement discussions. Remember, the deposition is just one part of your case.

How We Can Prepare You for a Deposition

All About Depositions in a Personal Injury LawsuitYour deposition is a huge part of a personal injury case, and proper preparation is essential to help it go well. Here’s what we can do to help you prepare for a deposition:

  • Understanding the Process: We can explain the deposition process to you in detail so you understand what to expect. We’ll discuss the types of questions that might be asked, the importance of telling the truth, and how to handle difficult or tricky questions.
  • Reviewing the Facts: Before you sit for your deposition, we can review all the facts of the case with you. This may include going over any documents, reports, and your recollection of events. This step helps you become familiar with all the details so you can answer questions accurately and confidently.
  • Mock Depositions: We can conduct a mock deposition to give you a feel for what the actual deposition will be like. You’ll practice answering questions, and we can give you feedback on your responses. This can help reduce anxiety and improve your performance during the real deposition.
  • Guidance on Behavior and Demeanor: Your attorney can coach you on the importance of maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, even when faced with provocative or challenging questions. Remember, how you present yourself can impact the perception of your credibility.
  • Strategy and Goal Setting: We can discuss the strategy and goals for the deposition with you before you testify. This might include emphasizing certain aspects of your case or clarifying any potential misconceptions. By understanding the strategy, you’ll be more prepared and confident.

Your deposition is a crucial aspect of your personal injury case, and our New York personal injury attorneys understand the preparation required to help it go well. Our attorneys have helped many clients with their depositions and will prepare you accordingly. Call us today or visit our contact page for your consultation.

Over $500 Million in Verdicts and Settlements

Our track record showcases over $500 million won for our clients. Each victory underlines our commitment to justice and client care. Explore our impact, case by case.

VERDICT

$17,500,000

A Brooklyn jury awarded Mr. Vargas $17.5 million for the City of New York’s violation of his civil rights for failing to provide him medical care while in custody. The jury found that the police officers involved failed to provide the necessary medical treatment and awarded $17.5 million to Mr. Vargas.

VERDICT

$4,730,398

Harris Keenan & Goldfarb partners Seth Harris and Sheri Holland obtained a $4,730,398.00 jury verdict on behalf of our client who tripped and fell at a private apartment building in the Bronx, suffering a broken foot that developed a very painful, permanent neurological condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (“RSD”).

VERDICT

$12,561,772

A Bronx jury awarded John Doe over $12 million for an accident on a construction site. John Doe was working when a piece of scaffold weighing 35 pounds fell, striking John Doe in the lower back. John Doe suffered a herniated disc requiring surgical removal of a portion of the disc and permanent nerve damage.

VERDICT

$10,500,000

A Bronx jury awarded $10.5 million to the mother of Malcolm Ferguson, who was wrongfully shot and killed by the New York City Police Department. The police officer, Louis Rivera, also a defendant in the case, was found to have used excessive force in violation of Malcolm Ferguson’s civil rights as protected under the United States Constitution.

VERDICT

$4,000,000

A Bronx jury awarded plaintiff William Cardoza $4 million for injuries caused by the use of excessive force during an arrest. During the arrest, Mr. Cardoza was pepper-sprayed and repeatedly hit with a police nightstick. As a result, Mr. Cardoza sustained injuries to his hand and finger.

VERDICT

$3,470,670

The firm’s client, a 33-year-old teacher’s assistant, was scalded by an espresso machine that exploded while the defendant’s employee was demonstrating how the machine worked. The client was a customer at the defendant’s coffee shop on the date of the accident and suffered first-degree burns to her right (dominant) hand.

VERDICT

$4,000,000

The firm represented the mother- decedent and her infant son. During the decedent’s admission to the defendant hospital, the defendant dispensed anesthesia during an epidural to the decedent in an inadequate manner. The mother-decedent suffered personal injuries and wrongful death due to the defendant’s failure to properly administer epidural anesthesia.

VERDICT

$3,823,000

Mr.Brennan fell from approximately 25 feet while working on a construction project. He suffered a shattered bone in his right leg requiring surgery and hardware placement. Mr. Brennan also suffered two fractures in his facial bones, and a dislocated finger requiring surgical repair.

VERDICT

$2,750,000

The firm’s client was a child with cerebral palsy who was injured as a result of medical malpractice. The firm’s clients claimed improper management of pregnancy, labor, and delivery resulting in brain damage, and received a Brooklyn personal injury settlement.

VERDICT

$1,677,835

The firm’s client, a 63-year-old mentally incompetent man, slipped and fell in his own urine while attempting to walk to the bathroom at the defendant’s senior citizen home. The client fractured his hip and as a result is confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. The client claimed that the staff of the home failed to properly care for him, and the jury awarded $1,677,835.

VERDICT

$2,995,000

The firm’s client, a 47-year-old male, slipped and fell on a public sidewalk in the Bronx. It had snowed four to five days prior to the date of the accident, and the sidewalk was covered with ice. The client suffered a lumbar fracture and a herniated disc. The jury found the city liable and awarded the client a $2,995,000 personal injury settlement in the Bronx.

VERDICT

$2,610,000

A Bronx jury awarded plaintiff Luis Molina $2.61 million for injuries sustained when he fell down a subway station stairway. Mr. Molina was caused to slip and fall as a result of a plastic bag that had blown onto the steps from a street opening. As a result of the fall, Mr. Molina suffered a herniated disc and a tear of his right shoulder’s rotator cuff. The jury found that the NYC Transit Authority was liable for the accident.

VERDICT

$2,253,714

A Bronx jury awarded Ms. Colon $2.25 million for a trip and fall accident. Ms. Colon was caused to fall when she moved to the right to allow another pedestrian to pass, and her foot rolled to the outside due to the sidewalk being unlevel with the adjoining grass. The jury found the defendant liable and awarded Ms. Colon $2,253,714.00 for her pain and suffering.

VERDICT

$1,900,000

A Brooklyn jury awarded Arvella Floyd $1.9 million for a fractured wrist which required multiple surgeries, including an open-reduction internal fixation and a carpal tunnel release. Ms. Floyd was injured when the hot water knob of the shower fell off after numerous complaints to the superintendent, and scalding water spewed toward her, causing her to
fall and break her wrist.

VERDICT

$1,350,000

A Bronx jury awarded plaintiff Juanita Young $1,350,000 for injuries caused by the use of excessive force during an arrest. During the arrest, Ms. Young, who is legally blind, was handcuffed from behind, with her children watching, and taken to the top of the stairs to exit the building. The officer proceeded to push her down the stairs multiple times.

What Our Clients Say About Us

david Santiagodavid Santiago
18:05 21 Mar 24
Maria RoqueMaria Roque
20:49 15 Mar 24
Excellent person, very Professional, they assist you in any language, your call is always answered. I recommend you for any case of support you have, your refund is satisfactory. and fast
S SS S
14:09 02 Mar 24
I am completely satisfied, and recommend Harris Keenan & Goldfarb as Attorneys to represent anyone. Their care for me physically, and overall helped me stay strong in spite of my injuries. Always available to answer questions, and inform.They got me Justice, and achieved a substantial outcome for my case.I am very impressed, and thankful for their outstanding performance on my behalf.I am very pleased, and significantly satisfied with their representation.‐-Sherylon Wilkins
Robert LennonRobert Lennon
15:26 21 Feb 24
Patient and diligence is how I describe the effort of HKG the work was thorough, honest and fair, I have no complaints. Special thanks to attorney Blake and his paralegal Thierry.
Gene Matos (fanboye)Gene Matos (fanboye)
18:48 15 Jan 24
I first crossed paths with Seth Harris when serving jury duty many years ago. He was so professional and personable, that when my mom was seeking legal counsel for medical malpractice, I told her she had to reach out to his firm. We had meetings with a few different firms, but Harris Keenan & Goldfarb was the only firm that did not try to get us to sign paperwork before even meeting. They took the time to listen and understand our situation before we signed anything, and they were transparent and responsive the whole time. I would like to give special thanks to Samantha Walton, Marla Stein, Val Wallace and Seth Harris for helping my mom through this tough time. They were honest and upfront, and even though Seth Harris wasn't personally on the case, he took the time to meet with us and give us his thoughts on it.
Solange IsaacSolange Isaac
17:52 08 Jan 24
I am pleased with the services provided by Ms Sheri on my case. The team at Harris, Keenan, & Goldfarb were very nice and explained everything to me. Everything that I had questions on they answered without frustration and were prompt and knowledgeable.6 years ago I had a slip and fall accident at my employers place of business. I reached out to them because I knew that I was being wrongfully treated. They took care of the case, restored my self confidence, and brought so much peace to my problem riddled life.I can recommend without a shadow of a doubt the services of Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb to anyone who is in need of someone who will have your back!
Brittany DempseyBrittany Dempsey
16:02 08 Jan 24
My mother had an accident with her ankle back in 2019. I immediately contacted Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb on the day of the accident. They were extremely prompt and helpful. They attended to my mother's case beautifully and she's been recovering well. I'd like to thank you for being so diligent, kind and above all professional. I'd recommend this law firm to anyone who are injured and in need of legal assistance. My mother, Andrea, and I thank you for everything.
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