Slip and Fall Deposition Questions a Defendant’s Lawyer Might Ask

A deposition is a face-to-face meeting with the defense’s legal team. You’ll be asked questions, under oath, about your personal injury and how your slip and fall happened (and likely recorded or videotaped). This is for the defense to determine what your claims are about. They’ll also use the opportunity to assess the strength of your claim. In doing so, there are many slip-and-fall deposition questions a defendant’s attorney might ask.

Oftentimes, the information requested may be the same as you already provided in answers to written questions. But sometimes, the inquiries may seem irrelevant, confusing, or even intimidating. The process can be prolonged and exhausting as well. After all, the defense wants to know every detail of how you got hurt. 

The Deposition Process

The plaintiff or a witness is usually deposed in an office at an agreed-upon time and place. A court order to appear at a deposition may be issued if the party does not cooperate. Once everyone is gathered:

• An oath is administered by a court reporter; you must swear to tell the truth.
• You are asked about yourself and the accident by the other party’s lawyer.
• A court reporter will type what everyone says.
• Your lawyer may object to certain questions, telling you whether to answer or stay silent.
• Lawyers for other parties may ask questions as well.
• Your attorney may ask follow-up questions to clarify your answers.

Questions You May Be Asked

In personal injury cases, depositions are often divided up to cover:

Background Questions

Background questions usually open a deposition to obtain basic information. First, you may be asked for your name, address, and date of birth. Other questions asked at this stage may include:

• Where do you work?
• What is your level of education?
• Have you ever dealt with other legal issues?
• Do you take any medications?
• Do you have a history of substance abuse?
• Was the body part hurt in the slip and fall ever injured before?
• How did you prepare for the deposition?

How the Accident Occurred

The slip-and-fall deposition questions a defendant’s legal team asks will certainly pertain to the circumstances of the accident. These inquiries can include:

• Where were you when you fell?
• What were you doing when it happened?
• Should you have known the surface was slippery?
• What were you wearing on your feet?
• Did you tie your shoelaces?
• How long did you have the shoes you were wearing?
• Did you see anything that could have caused you to fall?
• Who else was present at the scene?
• What did you do immediately after the fall?
• Where were you looking at the time?
• Were you carrying anything with you?
• Which foot did you slip on?
• What parts of your body hit the floor/ground?
• Why did you walk somewhere there was a known hazard?

Injuries and Damages

How the accident affected you is important to the defense attorney. This doesn’t only include the scope of your initial injuries, but also their impact on your life. The defense may ask the following:

• What injuries did you sustain in your slip and fall?
• What were your initial symptoms?
• How did your symptoms change over time?
• Who are the healthcare providers you saw after the incident?
• When did your symptoms start improving?
• Did you fully recover from your injuries?
• Who paid for the cost of your medical care?
• What is your prognosis?
• What treatments and therapies have you received?
• If not, what activities are you restricted from doing?
• How long did the injury leave you out of work?
• How much was your lost earnings claim?
• How have your life and well-being been affected?

Your Attorney’s Role 

Your lawyer can’t answer the slip-and-fall deposition questions a defendant’s attorney will ask. That is up to you. However, they can help you prepare for the deposition. They can explain the types of questions to expect and coach you on how to handle sensitive topics. This is an important step because attorneys can expose the strengths and weaknesses of a case and see how it’ll look to a jury.

Speak with Our Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys

The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani has successfully represented clients in all types of premises liability claims, including slip and fall cases. We can navigate any complexities and provide the best legal advice. Our attorneys are trained to find whether the appropriate measures were made to avoid such an accident. For legal help that can recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering, contact us online or call 888-952-2952.