In Alberta, the litigation process consists of multiple stages, one of which is referred to as the “Questioning”. This stage is a part of the process across all of Canada where it is generally known as the “Examination for Discovery”, and also across the United States where it mostly called the “Deposition”. Regardless of what you prefer to call it, this phase is highly important, if you wish for your case to be successful and should thus, be thoroughly prepared for. It is best to call on the right personal injury lawyer in the city.
The Purpose of Questioning
During the Questioning phase, injury lawyers in Edmonton are trying to gather all the facts and details surrounding the case in question. This includes determining all the strengths and weaknesses of the claims, selecting the issues. In dispute, and assessing which witnesses are reliable and credible enough to be used to support the case. Further topics that will be covered, during this stage are determining liability and solving issues, revolving around the topic of damage amounts owed to the plaintiff for their sustained losses. Your lawyer will be able to discuss the details of your case after evaluating the damages.
The procedure of Questioning is undertaken orally. The defense injury lawyer will be the one to question the plaintiff while they are under oath and being recorded by a court reporter. This report will also be writing up a transcript in addition to the audio recording. The entire procedure will take place in the office of the plaintiff’s injury lawyer, that of the defense injury lawyer, or that of the court reporter. The best way to prepare for this stage is to sit down with your injury lawyer who can explain the process and give you an idea of which questions are likely to be asked. Read on for further tips.
Preparing for the Questioning
1. Learn everything there is to know about the case. This includes the series of events surrounding the accident, as well as the medical treatment, you have received for your injuries since then.
2. Be honest with your answers. Since you are under oath, any inconsistencies in your story could cost you your case and thus your settlement.
3. Anything you say could be used against you later on. The answers you give during the Questioning are basically your testimony. With the recording and transcript, your answers will be documented and could be used as evidence by the defense later on in trial to prove you invalid as a credible witness. Inconsistencies in your story could thus lead to the failure of your case.