workers comp defense attorney refuses to finish my deposition. why?

by Adell Hodkiewicz 9 min read

Can a defense attorney take a deposition in a workers’ compensation case?

If you're seeking workers' comp benefits after suffering a work-related injury or illness, you may have your deposition taken at some point in the process.A deposition is a recorded session during which witnesses answer various questions under oath. Because insurance carriers often depose injured employees as a matter of routine during workers' comp cases, it's likely that you …

Can a witness be deposed in a California workers’ compensation case?

In a workers’ compensation case, a deposition is a legal proceeding, outside of a courtroom and prior to trial, in which an injured worker is questioned under oath about the circumstances surrounding the injury.. An attorney for the insurance company, known as a defense attorney, conducts the injured worker’s deposition.Also present is a court reporter to take down the …

What happens during a deposition in a personal injury case?

If you have any questions about workers compensation in Virginia, or are looking for an experienced workers comp lawyer to help you win your case, call me for a free consultation: (804) 251-1620 or (757) 810-5614. Contents hide. 1 What to Expect at Your Workers Compensation Deposition. 1.1 Follow These Tips at Your Workers Comp Deposition and ...

Can a lawyer ask you any questions at a deposition?

Oct 29, 2021 · Long Beach Workers Compensation Lawyers. If you were injured or made ill in the workplace, we recommend that you speak with an experienced workers comp lawyer immediately. Even if you are currently receiving workers comp benefits, it is a good idea to get some legal advice to protect your rights going into the future.

What happens after Qme deposition?

What Happens After the QME Writes a Report? The QME report is then used to determine a permanent disability rating. ... If the rating determines that you have ratable permanent disability, then you should receive permanent disability award and permanent disability benefits.May 8, 2019

What is a work comp deposition?

In some workers' compensation cases, one of the parties (usually the injured employee) will be subject to a deposition. A deposition is a recorded meeting in which the opposing attorney asks the “deponent” questions about facts regarding the case.

What happens after a workers comp deposition in California?

What happens after a deposition in a workers comp case? After the deposition, the court reporter will send a transcript to the injured worker. He or she will have an opportunity to review the transcript and make any changes.

What a deposition means?

Overview. A deposition is a witness's sworn out-of-court testimony. It is used to gather information as part of the discovery process and, in limited circumstances, may be used at trial. The witness being deposed is called the "deponent."

What is a deposition in workers' compensation?

A deposition is the questioning of a witness under oath outside of a courtroom. The injured worker's deposition is the most important deposition ta...

What is a deposition of the injured worker for?

The workers' compensation deposition of an injured worker is to: learn about the claim obtain specific information about dates, time, and witnesses...

What is a workers comp deposition like?

The injured worker is sent a notice of deposition indicating the date, times, and location of the deposition, which will generally take place in a...

What questions are asked in a workers comp deposition?

The insurance company attorney will ask about: the details of the injury prior work history how the injury occurred medical records, including prio...

What happens to the deposition transcript?

The transcript is given to the doctor who evaluates the injured worker for temporary and permanent disability. During the deposition, the defense a...

How do the depositions of doctors and witnesses work?

If any party has questions about a doctor's report, either one can depose the doctor. Whatever answers the doctor gives can later be submitted at t...

What is the importance of a deposition to an injured worker's claim?

The deposition is one of the primary ways the insurance company will learn about the extent of the injury and medical history. It can determine how...

What happens after a deposition in a workers comp case?

After the deposition, the court reporter will send a transcript to the injured worker. He or she will have an opportunity to review the transcript...

Why is a deposition important?

The deposition is one of the primary ways the insurance company will learn about the extent of the injury and medical history. It can determine how the insurance company values the case and how strongly it will dispute the claim.

What is a deposition in workers compensation?

In a workers’ compensation case, a deposition is a legal proceeding, outside of a courtroom and prior to trial, in which an injured worker is questioned under oath about the circumstances surrounding the injury. An attorney for the insurance company, known as a defense attorney, conducts the injured worker’s deposition.

How long does a deposition last?

The deposition can last from an hour to all day, depending on the claimed injury and the style and strategy of the attorney. The injured worker can request to take a break at any point. However, the attorney may ask for the answer to any pending question before the worker takes a break.

Who is Lance's manager?

The insurance company schedules Lance’s deposition and in attendance is Lance’s manager, Greg. Lance does not want to answer questions about his medical and psychiatric history with Greg in the room. However, Greg did not cause Lance’s psychiatric injury. Lance cannot show good reason why Greg cannot be present.

Can a doctor testify at trial?

Doctors do not testify at trial. Therefore, the only way to have a doctor’s “testimony” is through a deposition. The written transcript of the doctor’s deposition can be submitted at trial. The rules for taking a deposition in a workers’ compensation case are taken from civil court rules. 2.

What does a court reporter do?

The court reporter creates a written recording of the deposition and prepares a transcript. The insurance company pays for the court reporter. If the injured worker refuses to attend his or her deposition, the case can be suspended. 6 The insurance company has a right to investigate the claim.

What is a deposition in a court case?

A deposition is a question-and-answer session under oath. During a deposition lawyers for the parties will ask a person questions. The person being question is called the deponent. The deponent must answer the questions as though they were giving testimony at a workers compensation hearing. That is the purpose of making ...

How to prepare for a workers comp deposition?

First, he can give you a handout with background rules and advice on giving a deposition. Second, he can meet with you, in person or by phone, and conduct a practice deposition.

What is Rule 1.8?

Rule 1.8 (G) of the Rules of the Workers Compensation Commission explains when and how depositions are taken in workers comp cases. It states that the parties, meaning you and your employer, may take the deposition of any person , including the opposing party.

What to wear to a deposition?

Treat the deposition the same way you would treat an interview or a court appearance. For men this usually means wearing slacks, a long-sleeved button up shirt, and dress shoes. Do not wear shorts, jeans, tennis shoes, sandals, or a hat. For women this usually means wearing a blouse with slacks or a skirt.

Where is a deposition held?

Usually your deposition is held in your attorney’s office. Sometimes the deposition will take place in the insurance company’s office. If you do not live close to your attorney or the insurance company’s attorney, then your deposition may take place in a conference room near where you live.

What is the purpose of a deposition?

The intent is to get the facts of the matter on record before the trial.

Who takes a deposition of a medical doctor?

Sometimes the deposition of a medical doctor is taken by either the workers compensation insurance company lawyer or the Claimant’s lawyer, to clarify key medical issues and their relationship to the Claimant’s injuries. The doctor’s opinions then become part of the record, just like any other medical record.

What to do if you are injured in the workplace?

If you were injured or made ill in the workplace, we recommend that you speak with an experienced workers comp lawyer immediately. Even if you are currently receiving workers comp benefits, it is a good idea to get some legal advice to protect your rights going into the future.

What Kind of Questions Are in a Deposition?

For most people, going before a court and explaining themselves tends to be a bit nerve wracking. But it need not be. Workers’ compensation depositions are a number of things for the defense: it is a chance to gather information, size you up as a person, and potentially catch you in a deception.

Make the Call

Giving a deposition can be a relatively painless process, so long as you have taken the appropriate steps beforehand. The Kenton Koszdin Law Office can provide the counsel you’ll need to confidently give your side of the story and present an honest portrayal of the events that led to your injury.

Admonitions and background information

Admonitions and background information#N#The first part of your deposition will consist of the swearing in of the deponent (you) where the court reporter will administer the oath or affirmation that you will tell the truth. At that point, the defense attorney will ask you to introduce yourself on the record and spell your name.

Describe who you are

Describe who you are#N#Most of these questions will deal with where you grew up, went to school, etc..

Describe your residence history

Describe your residence history#N#Questions about your residence will focus on where you live presently, how long you've lived there, whether you own or rent, who you live with, their names and ages, marital status, etc..

Describe your employment history

Describe your employment history#N#Common questions about employment history include:#N#Were you working on the date of your injury?#N#When were you hired there?#N#Was this your only workers compensation injury with this employer?#N#Where did you work before that? How long? Why did you leave?#N#Did you ever get hurt on the job?#N#Did you ever file a workers compensation claim?#N#These questions will be asked over and over until you cannot remember any further employment history..

Describe how the injury occurred

Describe how the injury occurred#N#You will need to give a detailed description of how the injury occurred, what body parts you injured, who witnessed the injury, who you reported the injury to and when.

Describe the current medical treatment you are receiving

Describe the current medical treatment you are receiving#N#The next questions will cover the nature of your medical care.

List each body part you feel was injured in this accident

List each body part you feel was injured in this accident#N#My suggestion: start from the head and work your way down. This way you will never miss a body part.#N#You will be asked to rate the pain in that part on the imaginary scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain known to mankind.

What is a depo in insurance?

A depo is their opportunity to get info about you and your claim. Your case is denied so a depo isn't going to make matters any worse. What is the value of a denied claim? Not very much so what do you have to lose?

Is settlement always possible?

Settlement is almost always possible at any stage - but the issue is whether you get a dollar amount that makes you satisfied. Perhaps it's a strategic move by your attorney. S/he is the only one that can answer this question.

What is a deposition in workers compensation?

A deposition is very common in workers’ compensation. Discovery is the process by which the parties gather information. A deposition is a common form of discovery . The judge will never let you set your case for trial before the defense has the chance to conduct discovery . If you have a valid claim and are telling the truth, you should not worry about the deposition; however, I would not recommend going it alone. Consider consulting an attorney.