What Is A Deposition and Will I Have To Testify?

Q: What is a deposition, and will I have to testify at a deposition?

A: First, a deposition is a question and answer session where you will swear (or affirm) to tell the truth. The questions and answers are recorded by a Court stenographer, who will later transcribe all of the questions and answers into a booklet.

If you are bringing a lawsuit for injuries you or your loved one suffered then you will be required to testify about your knowledge of the events and your knowledge of the injuries. You will also be asked questions about how those injuries have affected you (or your loved one) and what treatment you've received to treat those injuries.

The attorney(s) for the people you have sued will be questioning you, usually in my office. Sometimes, because of an inability to travel, we can accomodate the injured victim and conduct the deposition closer to their home. Naturally, I will be there with you every step of the way.

Prior to your 'deposition' you will meet with me, either on the day you are scheduled to be asked questions, or on a scheduled day before the deposition. During that meeting, I will prepare you extensively about what you can expect will be asked of you by the other attorney(s). By the time we have finished our meeting, you will be aware of practically all the types of questions you will likely be asked by our adversaries.

During the deposition, if you have any questions or concerns, we can take a break and discuss them in the privacy of my office.

Once your deposition session is finished, you can expect to receive a copy of the booklet that contains all of the questions and answers asked and given. You will also receive special instructions about how you must review the transcript for any errors, and what to do if you find factual or typgraphical errors.

On another date, I will have an opportunity to then question the 'defendant' (the party that you have sued) to determine from them what happened and why. You are welcome to attend the defendant's deposition with me, however there are some instances where I will advise against being there, and in some instances I will encourage the client to accompany me.

Attorney Oginski has been in practice for over 16 years as a trial lawyer practicing exclusively in the State of New York. Having his own law firm, he is able to provide the utmost in personalized, individualized attention to each and every client. In our office, a client is not a file number. Client's are always treated with the respect they deserve and expect from a professional. Mr. Oginski is always aware of every aspect of a client's case from start to finish.

Gerry represents injured people in injury cases and medical malpractice matters in Brooklyn, Queens, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. You can reach him at http://www.oginski-law.com, or 516-487-8207. All inquiries are free and totally confidential.