15 Mistakes Plaintiffs Make in Their Depositions

Before your case goes to court, you will have to make a deposition, which is testimony given out of court. During their depositions, plaintiffs commonly make mistakes that can damage their own cases. If you have to give a deposition, here is a list of the 15 most common mistakes Orange County personal injury lawyers advise plaintiffs to avoid.

• Lying.
• Exaggerating symptoms, liability aspects, or loss of income.
• Undermining your own testimony. E.g. prefacing all your answers with “Well, to be honest…”
• Saying anything inconsistent with previous testimony.
• Saying anything inconsistent with the testimony of another witness.
• Making substantial mistakes in approximating time or distance when describing the details surrounding your claim.
• Making substantial mistakes about the dates and times of your medical treatment.
• Saying anything inconsistent with facts outlined in your own medical records.
• Failing to admit partial responsibility in cases where it is obvious you are at least somewhat responsible for the incident.
• Admitting responsibility for the incident when you are not responsible.
• Trying to blame your physician or physical therapist for a mistaken diagnosis or unnecessary or unsatisfactory treatment.
• Being rude to the opposing counsel.
• Mishearing or misinterpreting a question by the opposing counsel and giving an inappropriate answer.

If you are involved in a personal injury case and may need to give a deposition, call Orange County personal injury lawyer Samer Habbas at 888-845-5084 for a free consultation.