why would workmans comp lawyer want to take your deposition 8 years after injury occurred

by Mercedes Rempel 9 min read

What to expect from a workers’ compensation deposition?

7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566. master:2021-10-20_10-59-58. If you're seeking workers' comp benefits after suffering a work-related injury or illness, you may have your deposition taken at some point in the process. A deposition is a recorded session during which witnesses answer various questions under oath.

Can a witness be deposed in a California workers’ compensation case?

Dec 14, 2020 · What is a deposition? A workers’ comp deposition is your witness testimonial before a court reporter outside of a courtroom. More precisely, it’s a recorded meeting between the insurance company’s attorney, the injured worker (i.e. you), and occasionally your employer’s representative as well. And the meeting typically takes place at an attorney’s office. Depending …

What happens during a deposition in a personal injury case?

If you have any questions about workers compensation in Virginia, or are looking for an experienced workers comp lawyer to help you win your case, call me for a free consultation: (804) 251-1620 or (757) 810-5614. Contents hide. 1 What to Expect at Your Workers Compensation Deposition. 1.1 Follow These Tips at Your Workers Comp Deposition and ...

Can the insurance company take my Deposition more than once?

Apr 09, 2019 · Your lawyer may decide to take a deposition to get more information or confirm someone’s position on your case under oath. This can help you build a case in preparation for a workers’ compensation hearing. Also, deposition testimony that is damaging for the insurance company can lead to a better settlement.

What happens after WC deposition?

What happens after a deposition in a workers comp case? After the deposition, the court reporter will send a transcript to the injured worker. He or she will have an opportunity to review the transcript and make any changes.

What a deposition means?

A deposition is a witness's sworn out-of-court testimony. It is used to gather information as part of the discovery process and, in limited circumstances, may be used at trial. The witness being deposed is called the "deponent."

What happens after a workers comp deposition in GA?

Once your deposition is taken the insurance company will request medical records. Based on your deposition testimony, they often request records of your employer regarding any disability benefits or unemployment benefits received. These take at least 30 days from the date of the request.Aug 24, 2016

What is a workers compensation deposition in California?

A workers' compensation deposition is a legal proceeding in which the employer, or rather their insurance company, through their attorney, ask an injured worker questions under oath. By taking an oath, an injured worker swears to tell the truth. All testimony should be given from memory.Jul 8, 2016

What is the difference between deposition and disposition?

Disposition vs Deposition A "disposition" is the final ruling in the case; a "deposition" is a sworn statement under oath.Jun 7, 2017

What is the point of a deposition?

The deposition has two purposes: To find out what the witness knows and to preserve that witness' testimony. The intent is to allow the parties to learn all of the facts before the trial, so that no one is surprised once that witness is on the stand.Apr 2, 2019

Is there always a settlement in work comp cases in Georgia?

There is no average settlement for a workers' compensation claim in Georgia because these payments depend on many factors that are unique to each case. Some workers' compensation claims result in settlement agreements, while others are paid out weekly.

How long it takes to settle a Georgia workers comp claim?

Very generally, it takes workers' comp Georgia workers' compensation settlements from between several weeks (a rare occurrence) to about two years for successful negotiation.Aug 5, 2021

How long after deposition is mediation?

A common question when pursuing a personal injury case is how long it will take to get to the mediation phase once the depositions are complete. On average, mediation takes place between nine months and eighteen months after an accident.Aug 30, 2021

What happens after Qme California?

What Happens Once the QME Report is Completed? The QME should send copies of the report to you, your attorney, the claims administrator, and the Division of Workers' Compensation Disability Evaluation Unit (DEU). The DEU should issue a rating of your injury within 20 days.

Who can take depositions in Workers Comp?

It states that the parties, meaning you and your employer, may take the deposition of any person, including the opposing party. It is common to take the depositions of the following persons in a workers comp claim: The injured employee. The insurance claims adjuster. Any witness to the accident.

How to prepare for a workers comp deposition?

First, he can give you a handout with background rules and advice on giving a deposition. Second, he can meet with you, in person or by phone, and conduct a practice deposition.

Why is a workers comp deposition important?

That is because many cases settle during the workers comp discovery period and before trial. And settlements often reflect the impressions that you, your doctors, and other witnesses make in depositions.

What is a deposition in a court case?

A deposition is a question-and-answer session under oath. During a deposition lawyers for the parties will ask a person questions. The person being question is called the deponent. The deponent must answer the questions as though they were giving testimony at a workers compensation hearing. That is the purpose of making ...

What does discrepancy mean in a deposition?

To gather facts to determine a fair workers compensation settlement range .

What does settlement reflect?

And settlements often reflect the impressions that you, your doctors, and other witnesses make in depositions. Knowing this, you must prepare for your deposition to give yourself the best chance of getting the medical care and cash benefits you deserve.

Where is a deposition held?

Usually your deposition is held in your attorney’s office. Sometimes the deposition will take place in the insurance company’s office. If you do not live close to your attorney or the insurance company’s attorney, then your deposition may take place in a conference room near where you live.

What happens after a deposition?

After you testify at a deposition for your workers’ compensation case, you may wonder what happens next. Or your lawyer may take the deposition of a doctor or another witness, and you want to know how that testimony will help your case. Sometimes, the time just after a deposition can be very important for your case.

How long after a deposition do you go home?

After Your Deposition. When you testify at your deposition, you may go home after a couple of hours not knowing if you helped or hurt your case. Not all depositions have a big impact on the case. You may answer all the questions perfectly, yet the insurance company persists in denying you benefits.

Can you attend a deposition after a doctor's deposition?

If your lawyer takes the deposition of a doctor or a witness for your employer, you may not hear much about the result. You may not even attend the deposition itself depending on your availability and what your lawyer says.

How to prepare for a workers comp deposition?

Before your deposition, you should review your medical records, accident reports, journal notes, and other relevant records. While you don’t need to have every detail memorized, you should be familiar with the basic timeline of events in your workers' comp case and be prepared to answer typical ...

What is a deposition in workers comp?

A deposition is a legal procedure for asking you questions and having you answer under oath. Although it's not a trial, the written record of your answers will be considered as evidence if your workers' comp case goes to a hearing.

How to answer insurance questions?

Of course, you should always tell the truth. The insurance company's lawyer will likely try to catch you in any inconsistencies that could make you seem not credible or untrustworthy. This will be harder to do if you stick to the facts and resist the temptation to embellish or exaggerate. Some other tips for answering the questions: 1 Take your time. Wait until the lawyer has finished the question, and give your own attorney time to object if the question isn't appropriate. 2 Keep it simple and answer the specific question. Don't get into long-winded answers, volunteer information, or guess. If you don't understand the question or don't know the answer, say so. 3 Making eye contact with the questioner helps you seem more credible. If you're participating over video conference, be sure to look directly into your device's camera. 4 Stay calm and polite. If you find yourself getting upset, you can ask for a break to regroup.

What to do if you are called to a deposition?

If you've been called to a deposition, you should consider hiring a workers' comp lawyer. An experienced attorney will know the rules and can help you prepare for the deposition, tell you which questions you don't have to answer, and ask follow-up questions designed to clear up any potential misunderstandings that could hurt your case. ...

How to be credible in a video conference?

Making eye contact with the questioner helps you seem more credible. If you're participating over video conference, be sure to look directly into your device's camera . Stay calm and polite. If you find yourself getting upset, you can ask for a break to regroup.

Can insurance companies take depositions?

In most cases, the insurance company can only take your deposition once. However, if you make a new claim (for example, that you also suffered psychological injuries), the insurance company may get a second opportunity to question you.

How long does it take to get a deposition?

If you need childcare during your deposition, plan to pay for a half-day with the babysitter. A deposition usually takes a couple hours — sometimes longer if you have extensive work or treatment history to cover.

What to do if you don't have a workers comp case?

If you don’t have an open-and-shut workers’ comp case, then talk to a lawyer. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer vastly improves your chances for winning benefits. And if you have any pre-existing injuries, health conditions or chronic illnesses, you’re unlikely to win benefits without help.

What happens if your employer isn't compliant?

But what if your employer isn’t exactly compliant? Sometimes, your employer will dispute your workers’ comp claim. If this happens to you, you may be called in for a deposition. A deposition is a legal procedure where you answer questions under oath. It isn’t a trial, but your answers are considered evidence if your workers’ comp case goes to court.

What can an attorney tell you?

An attorney can tell you which questions you’ll have to answer based on your specific situation. A lawyer may coach you to emphasize specific answers that strengthen your case. Just running through some potential questions can help calm your nerves before the deposition starts.

Why is it important to have an attorney on your insurance?

An attorney protects your legal rights and ensures the insurance company’s lawyer doesn’t ask inappropriate questions. Your lawyer can also help you prepare and ask follow-up questions that strengthen your case. In addition, a lawyer’s presence alone will demonstrate your commitment to securing benefits.

What happens if an insurance company catches you in a lie?

If a judge or the insurer catches you in a lie, it destroys your credibility. It also destroys your chances of winning workers’ compensation benefits. The insurance company wants to diminish your credibility and present you as untrustworthy. Be careful to only give truthful, short and direct responses.

What to say when you're not sure about something?

The best answer to any question you’re not sure about is, “I don’t know.” Don’t make anything up. If you’re not sure, just say so. You’re better off saying you can’t recall or don’t know than making up an answer you think supports your case.

What is the most important deposition in a workers comp case?

The injured worker’s deposition is the most important deposition taken in a workers’ comp case. Other than medical reporting, the workers’ comp deposition is the main way for the insurance company to learn about the worker’s injury. Any party in a workers’ compensation case can take a deposition.

What is a deposition in workers compensation?

In a workers’ compensation case, a deposition is a legal proceeding, outside of a courtroom and prior to trial, in which an injured worker is questioned under oath about the circumstances surrounding the injury. An attorney for the insurance company, known as a defense attorney, conducts the injured worker’s deposition.

What happens if an insurance carrier takes a deposition of an injured worker?

If an insurance carrier takes a deposition of an injured worker, the injured worker is entitled to: be given transportation ( mileage reimbursement ), meals, and lodging, if necessary, for the deposition. reimbursement for lost wages for attending the deposition. a copy of the deposition transcript.

What does it mean to lie in a deposition?

The injured worker will be sworn in, meaning that he or she agrees to tell the truth. Lying in a deposition under oath is perjury and can lead to a fine or time in jail. It is the same as testifying in court. As the attorney is asking questions, the court reporter will record the questions and answers.

What does a court reporter do?

The court reporter creates a written recording of the deposition and prepares a transcript. The insurance company pays for the court reporter. If the injured worker refuses to attend his or her deposition, the case can be suspended. 6 The insurance company has a right to investigate the claim.

How long does a deposition last?

The deposition can last from an hour to all day, depending on the claimed injury and the style and strategy of the attorney. The injured worker can request to take a break at any point. However, the attorney may ask for the answer to any pending question before the worker takes a break.

Why is a deposition important?

The deposition is one of the primary ways the insurance company will learn about the extent of the injury and medical history. It can determine how the insurance company values the case and how strongly it will dispute the claim.

Who can be deposed in a workers compensation case?

People who are likely to be deposed can include the Injured Worker, Adjusters, Percipient Witnesses, Medical Providers, and Vocational Experts. Doctors who are deposed are usually treating doctors, Qualified Medical Evaluators and Agreed Medical Examiners.

Who is present in an injured worker deposition?

In an Injured Worker’s Deposition, there are a number of individuals who can be present. For the Employer, there will be the Individual’ s deposing representative. This can be either an Attorney or Hearing Representative. Second, sometimes, there will be an Employer’s Representative will be present.

What is a deposition in California?

A deposition is essentially the questioning and answering of questions under oath and under penalty of perjury. In Workers’ Compensation, Depositions can be taken of the Injured Worker, Percipient Witnesses, and Expert Witnesses. California Workers’ Compensation Law, pursuant to Labor Code Section 5710, provides for depositions.

What is labor code?

The Labor Code employs the California Code of Civil Procedure to provide for some of the provisions for how depositions are to be conducted. Depositions, in workers’ compensation law, are unique. Depositions of various parties is encouraged in lieu of Trial Testimony. Expert Witness testimony in workers’ compensation trials is generally received in ...

Why do we take depositions?

Depositions are taken for many reasons. Some depositions are taken to discover information about the Injured Worker. The questions can be about the Injured Worker’s prior injuries or accidents, their prior medical treatment or hospitalization, and their physical abilities before and after the industrial injury.

What happens if an injured worker is not represented?

If the Injured Worker is not represented, then they will have no one else present on their behalf. If the Employee is not proficient in English, an interpreter may be present. They will be available for the Injured Worker and Their Representative to interact as well as interpret during the deposition.

What is discovery in legal terms?

What Is Discovery? “ Discovery” is a legal “term of art” which relates to how parties to a legal action seek information from the opposing party and other parties relating to the lawsuit. This information can include facts or opinions which are either important or relevant to the legal action.

Why is a doctor's deposition important?

What is a doctor’s deposition and why is it so darn important? In most workers' compensation claims and personal injury cases it is necessary to prove that your injury, lost time from work and medical bills were caused by your job.

What is the phone number to call for workers compensation?

If you need guidance and strong legal representation, call Law Office of Keith Short at 1-800-421-0960.