When you file a slip and fall lawsuit, you must answer questions posed by the defense attorney under oath. This procedure is known as a deposition. The questions revolve around how the accident occurred and your subsequent injuries. The process begins with basic background questions, such as educational level and job history. The questions may include whether you, the plaintiff, have a criminal background.
While a deposition may seem daunting, a knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Salamati Law will prepare you for it. We are there for you every step of the way and can help you receive the maximum compensation for your injury.
What Were You Wearing?
The defense attorney’s job is to show the plaintiff contributed to the accident. A slip and fall accident can occur because a person is wearing inappropriate footwear—such as new shoes on an icy day. Also, a long dress or coat could play a role in the incident.
Were You Carrying Anything in Your Hands?
Slip and falls may result from distractions. An individual paying attention to their phone and not watching where they are going– is more likely to trip. The same holds for someone carrying heavy packages, which could knock them off balance.
Did You Notice the Defect Causing the Fall?
Whether you slipped due to a wet floor, broken pavement, or debris in an aisleway, the lawyer will want to know if you noticed the issue beforehand. If the answer is no, the next question might be—where were you were looking at the time of the fall.
Do You Think the Client Should Have Known of the Condition?
Slip and fall cases fall under the category of premises liability. The owner or manager of the property should have known a dangerous condition existed and remedied it. However, there are situations where this is not reasonable.
For example, if you are in a supermarket and another customer drops a bottle of salad dressing– and you fall and hurt yourself, the store manager would not have enough time to remedy this danger. Your fall happens seconds later. On the other hand, if you slipped on a wet floor and no warning signs were put up, the manager should have known of the potential danger. Putting up signs is standard procedure.
In a deposition, the defendant’s lawyer might ask whether you think their client should have been aware of the potential hazard and why.
What Is Your Medical History?
While you should expect questions about your medical treatment and rehabilitation, the defense attorney will also want you to provide your complete medical history.
Questions About the Injuries
Questions regarding your injuries can be quite specific. The defense attorney may want to know the names of any healthcare providers you consulted. Expect questions on these topics:
- Symptoms— What were they, how long did they last, and how have they changed?
- Recovery— Have you recovered completely? If not, what are your limitations?
- Work— How much work did you miss? What is the amount of your lost wages?
- Medical expenses— What are the amounts? How were these bills paid?
- Quality of life— How did this injury affect your quality of life?
Always Tell the Truth
If you do not know the answer to a question or do not remember, state this. Never make a false statement. Lying under oath not only destroys your claim, but you could face serious penalties.
Contact our team of Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyers
If you were seriously injured caused by another party’s negligence, you need the services of an experienced Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer. Schedule a free, confidential consultation by submitting our online form or calling or texting 24/7. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so there are no upfront legal costs.
