- November 2, 2021
- Workers' Compensation
Atlanta’s workers’ comp rules allow you to get compensation benefits for your work-related injuries. To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must prove that you’re an employee who sustained injuries while performing official duties. Worker’s compensation uses a no-fault system, so you don’t need to prove anyone’s negligence. Your Atlanta workers’ comp attorney will ensure that you act correctly and avoid unnecessary mistakes in your work comp claim.
That’s because many employers and their insurance companies try to avoid paying compensation. As such, they’ll look for any loopholes to exploit in your workers’ compensation claim. For example, they may set up a meeting with the aim of asking you questions to prove that you’re fraudulent. Under Georgia’s work comp laws, such an arrangement is called a deposition.
If your employer requests a deposition, you must prepare yourself for what’s coming. So, you have to know what to expect and come up with strategies to navigate them. We’ll discuss all you need to know about depositions in this article.
What Does a Deposition Mean?
A work comp deposition is a legal requirement under Georgia’s work comp laws. It’s part of the discovery process in your work comp case and happens outside a courtroom. It’s a recorded interview where your employer’s lawyer will ask you questions relating to your work comp case. In a deposition, you’re under oath, and so, you mustn’t lie or intentionally misrepresent facts to avoid committing perjury.
The primary purpose of a workers’ comp deposition is to get your testimony on record. This is to ensure that you don’t change your story subsequently. It also gives the parties a much better understanding of their case and its strengths and weaknesses. That helps them to prepare better for trial.
In a work comp deposition, your employer’s lawyer will pay attention to how you testify. They will try to assess how coherent, composed, and credible you seem. They may also try to discover information that will discredit your testimony during cross-examination.
What Should I Expect at My Work Comp Deposition?
The first step to having a satisfying work comp deposition is by knowing what to expect. That way, nothing will catch you off guard. While work comp cases are different, and depositions aren’t 100% the same, the following are necessary stages in all depositions:
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Attendance
You should expect your employer’s legal representative to be at your work comp deposition. Usually, they are the ones who will handle the interview. You can also come with your lawyer. Again, you will have a court reporter at your deposition. Their job is to record statements and produce a written transcript that will be part of your case’s evidence.
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A Testimony Under Oath
Like we stated earlier, you will give sworn testimony at your deposition. As such, you should expect the court reporter to swear you in. That means that you will promise to only speak truthfully throughout the deposition.
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A Series of Questions
The main business of the deposition starts right after your swearing-in. That is when your employer’s attorney will begin to ask you questions about your case. Usually, they will be calm, courteous, and gentle in their approach. You should reply to their questions in the same manner.
The questions you will have to answer will usually center around the following:
- Your background information
- Prior injuries and medical history
- How your accident happened
- Your previous employment
- Treatment
- Current disabilities or limitations
How to Prepare for a Workers’ Compensation Deposition in Atlanta
Your chances of a successful work comp deposition depend significantly on how you prepare for one. You must know what to say and do before, during, and after your deposition. Here are some tips:
- Before your deposition, schedule a meeting with your lawyers and let them prep you on what to expect. Also, ensure that you study your case and have essential details at the tip of your fingers.
- During your deposition, arrive a few minutes early. Be calm, composed, and courteous. When answering questions, ensure that you understand them and ask for clarifications before you respond. Don’t lie, guess answers, or exaggerate your condition at your disposition.
- After the deposition, ensure that you get the written transcript and correct any mistakes in them.
Talk With an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Immediately!
Are you looking for an experienced attorney to help you navigate your work comp case without stress? Then our workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta are here for you. We’ll ensure that you get maximum compensation for your work comp injuries at the appropriate time. Schedule a free case evaluation with us today.
