How do you know if your deposition went well?

Asked by: Katheryn Crist  |  Last update: December 6, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (46 votes)

If you didn't understand a question and asked the attorney to clarify what they were asking, that was appropriate. If you waited until you fully understood the questions before answering, that is a sign that your deposition likely went well. You were honest: During a deposition, you should always remain truthful.

How do you know if you did good in a deposition?

The opposing attorney seemed satisfied with your answers:

The opposing attorney's demeanor can provide clues about whether they believe your testimony to be credible. If they appear satisfied or pleased with your answers, it's a positive indication that your deposition is going well.

How long after deposition will they settle?

After a deposition, it may take several weeks to several months to receive a settlement. The length of time required will vary depending on how complicated the case is and how much evidence must be obtained. In most cases, the sooner you have your deposition, the sooner you expect to receive your settlement.

What makes a good deposition?

Answer Only the Question Presented.

Your job as the witness is to make the examiner ask good questions. If you do not understand the question, do not answer and ask the examiner to rephrase. If the examiner makes a statement and then pauses, you do not need to say anything. No question, no answer.

Can a settlement be made at a deposition?

Negotiations in personal injury cases typically happen before, during, and even after a trial. The parties often continue negotiating back and forth until they reach a settlement. It's common for a settlement to be finalized during or after the deposition phase of a personal injury trial.

Will my case settle after deposition?

20 related questions found

What's next after the deposition?

After the deposition is taken, the parties involved will review the transcript and may use it to negotiate a settlement. If the parties are unable to reach a settlement, the case will proceed to trial, where the deposition transcript can be used as evidence.

What can you not ask during a deposition?

In many cases, questions that do not have to be answered fall into three categories:
  • Private information. You have a right to refuse any questions about a person's health, sexuality, or religious beliefs (including your own). ...
  • Privileged information. ...
  • Irrelevant information.

Do you have to tell the truth in a deposition?

Since a deposition is considered sworn testimony, you are expected to answer each question and tell the truth. You swear an oath to give honest answers to the questions the attorney asks.

What do you say and not say in a deposition?

The Seven Do's and Don'ts of Depositions
  1. Be prepared with the facts. Witnesses can prepare to win or prepare to fail.
  2. Tell the truth. Do not lie. ...
  3. Take your time. ...
  4. Answer “yes” or “no” if that fits the question. ...
  5. Answer one question at time. ...
  6. Anticipate questions. ...
  7. Request a break.

What do depositions accomplish?

JF: A deposition is an opportunity for parties in a civil lawsuit to obtain testimony from a witness under oath prior to trial. It's part of the discovery process by which parties gather facts and information so they can be better prepared at trial to present their claims and defenses.

Why do depositions take so long?

Several Factors Determine How Long a Deposition Take

These factors include the amount of information being discussed, the number of parties involved in the proceedings, and the case's complexity.

How do you answer a deposition question?

When answering questions in a deposition, it's essential to stick to what you know and avoid speculating or guessing. If you're not sure of the answer to a question, it's okay to say so. However, you should avoid making assumptions or offering opinions that are not based on fact.

What is the deposition phase of a lawsuit?

Depositions typically occur during the discovery phase of a lawsuit and have two purposes: first, to learn what the witnesses know and record their testimonies, and second, to allow both parties to learn all of the facts before their trial so that no one is caught off-guard during the trial.

Is it OK to say I don't know in a deposition?

Only answer the question if you know the answer. “I don't know” is a perfectly good responses (as long as it's the truth). “I don't remember,” “I don't recall,” and “I don't recall at the present time” are all perfectly good responses.

Who questions you during deposition?

In a deposition, the opposing attorney (counsel) will ask you various questions, and those questions and your answers will be recorded by an official court reporter. There is little difference between testimony at a deposition and testimony in the courtroom, except that there is no judge presiding during a deposition.

Should I be nervous during a deposition?

Movies and TV have ingrained in us that depositions are scary things. But if you're properly prepared, and understand how the process works, depositions are nothing to be nervous or concerned about.

Can a defendant ask questions in a deposition?

Usually the parties or their attorneys have a chance to ask any questions related to the case that they want. If you have a lawyer, you should discuss what to expect at depositions with your lawyer prior to depositions.

How do you survive a deposition?

How to Survive a Deposition
  1. Make Sure You Understand the Question. Never answer a question unless you fully understand it. ...
  2. Pause and Think Before Answering. ...
  3. Never Volunteer Information. ...
  4. If You Don't Remember, Say So. ...
  5. Do Not Guess. ...
  6. Don't Fall for the Silent Treatment. ...
  7. Stick to Your Answers. ...
  8. Always Read the Fine Print.

What can you ask during a deposition?

Background Questions

Background deposition questions examples could include: Identification – Name, aliases used, age, and place of birth. Residential – How long have you lived at your current residence, alone or with someone, and at other residences in the past.

Who goes first in a deposition?

Depositions: Who Goes First? he order of depositions of the parties or major witnesses is usually worked out between counsel without substan- tial disagreement. Occasionally, serious conflicts arise because both attorneys perceive a tactical advantage to take the opponent's deposition first.

Can I lie in response to questions at the deposition?

Any time you attend a deposition, you must be honest in how you answer questions. If you are found lying during a deposition, you can be charged with perjury. In instances where this happens, you can face prison time or other penalties.

Is a deposition considered evidence?

Depositions enable a party to know in advance what a witness will say at the trial. Depositions can also be taken to obtain the testimony of important witnesses who can t appear during the trial. In that case, they re read into evidence at the trial.

What is the leading question in a deposition?

Leading questions suggest the answer that you expect to get and literally “lead” the witness. An open ended question does not suggest the answer. An Example: Assume that you are trying to establish that the deponent was stealing office supplies and that he knew that he should not have been taking those supplies.

Can you plead the fifth in a deposition?

The general rule is that if you plead the Fifth in discovery, you cannot change your answer later and waive your Fifth Amendment privilege at trial. So, if you plead the Fifth in discovery, whether in writing or in a deposition, you may be stuck with your answer, even if you didn't do anything wrong.

Can paralegals ask questions at a deposition?

While a paralegal a non-lawyer performing tasks that require specific legal skills, usually under the supervision of an attorney cannot ask questions at a deposition.