Mississippi Workers’ Comp Case: Handling Deposition

Handling a deposition in a Mississippi Workers’ Comp Case can become challenging. Your deposition will be taken at some point during the process of filing a worker’s comp benefits. A recorded session involving the witnesses answering questions under oath is known as a deposition; you will be called to testify in one of these sessions. It’s a routine process for insurance companies to depose the injured workers during workers’ comp cases. 

In 2020, around 4 million work-related injuries were medically consulted whereas 4,113 preventable work deaths were reported. 

If you are confused about the process of deposition and how you can deal with the lawyer, we can help you. Preparing and knowing about the process can make it much easier for you. 

Preparing for the Deposition for A Mississippi Workers’ Comp Case:

Hiring an attorney will help you in preparing for the Mississippi Workers’ Comp Case. You should have documented notes for everything you experienced after the injury. Before the deposition, you should go over the medical record and notes to refresh everything that happened during and after the incident. 

During Deposition:

Usually, depositions take place at a law firm. After the COVID-19 pandemic, some states allowed remote depositions through video conferencing or telephone. During a deposition, you will be present along with your lawyer, the lawyer taking the deposition, and a court reporter. The depositions are used as evidence so that the court reporter will make a written transcription of the deposition. You will testify under oath. Lying on purpose can damage your case.

The lawyer who will take the deposition will guide you briefly about the process. Then you will be asked a series of questions related to the following:

• Background Information: Including your name, address, educational background, and work history. 
• Past Injuries: Including any past accident or injury you suffered. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it doesn’t rule out workers’ comp coverage. 
• Accident Details: You will be asked about how the accident or illness happened. Worker’s comp is no-fault. If your condition developed over a period, you will be asked more detailed questions.
• Treatment Details: You will be asked to share the details regarding your treatment plan for work-related injuries. It will include hospital visits, treatment prescribed by the doctor, physical therapy, medications, and surgery.
• Limitations: You will be asked about the impact of injuries in creating current limitations. This will include your physical limitation to lift items, standing too long, or operating machinery. 

Answering Questions Effectively:

By following certain guidelines, you can ensure a smooth deposition process. The guidelines include:

1. Listening Carefully: Pay attention and wait before answering any question. Let the lawyer ask the complete question before you begin to respond. It will facilitate effective communication. Moreover, the court reporter will be able to note down everything. This will also provide your attorney a chance to object to any improper question. 
2. Answer Properly: Don’t nod or show gestures; instead use a formal tone to respond to questions. The court will be writing down every response. Be careful about what you say. 
3. Don’t Provide Unnecessary Information: You should provide an answer to only the question that was asked. Providing lengthy and long-winded answers can damage your case. If you can answer with a simple yes or no, it is more appropriate. If you need to clear anything up, your attorney will provide you a chance at the end.
4. Don’t Guess: Fully understand the question and if you have any confusion, ask the lawyer to repeat the question. For questions with a specific number, provide an estimate or range.
5. Avoid Sharing Confidential Information: Don’t share confidential information that you discussed with your attorney. The conversations with your attorney are protected by the attorney-client privilege. The lawyer taking the deposition is not allowed to ask you for confidential information and your attorney can object to these questions. 
6. Stay Calm: Always remain calm and polite during a deposition. Provide clear answers as being a reasonable and credible person will benefit your case. If you feel uncomfortable or agitated during the deposition, you can take a break. 
7. After the Deposition: Once the deposition is complete you will be provided with a written transcript and an opportunity to make corrections.

Hiring a Professional Attorney:

If you or your loved ones are dealing with a Mississippi Workers’ Comp Case, speak to our experienced workers’ comp attorney. We will help you in the deposition process. We aim to ensure maximum compensation for your case.