What to Expect After Your Lawsuit Is Filed

 If your case cannot be settled before a lawsuit is filed, then the important stages of your case are as follows:

(1) Answering interrogatories (written questions). The importance of accurate, thorough and complete answers to these written questions cannot be overemphasized. It is the first opportunity for the defendant's attorney to learn about you, your family and your case.

(2) After submitting answers to the written questions, the attorney for the defendant will then want to take your deposition. This is a process where you take an oath and give sworn testimony about the facts of your accident and your resulting damages and injuries. Complete honesty and credibility are factors that influence a jury's determination of your case. Many other factors also influence a jury's determination of your case including prior injuries, prior lawsuits and criminal convictions. You should make us aware of each of these that apply. You will be asked about these during your deposition.

(3) Mediation or Trial. Our firm has been quite successful in the past few years in resolving disputes short of trials through a process known as mediation. Mediation is a form of settlement conference where both sides make presentations, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their respective cases and generally conclude the process with shuttle diplomacy negotiations. Mediation is a non-binding and usually voluntary process that can be court ordered in unusual circumstances.

If mediation is unsuccessful and your case must be tried, we will issue subpoenas, question your doctor and generally prepare you for your court appearances. Good clients win lawsuits, and thus, your appearance, demeanor, credibility and attitude often times control the eventual outcome of your case.

See Definitions of Common Legal Terms to learn more.