If you submit a workers’ compensation claim to your employer’s insurance company only to find out that they have denied part or all of your claim, the next step in the process will be to work with your lawyer to schedule a hearing. A number of things will happen at this hearing, but the main part you’ll be responsible for is the deposition.
A deposition is a recorded statement that is provided for the official record about your recollection of the events leading up to, during and after your work injury. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the deposition process in Minnesota and explain how a workers’ compensation attorney can help you prepare for your deposition.
Managing My Work Comp Deposition
Preparing for and following through with a deposition typically involves a few different stages. Here’s a breakdown of the different steps that are involved in a standard workers’ compensation deposition in Minnesota:
Pre-Depositional Planning – Once the hearing has been scheduled, your lawyer will sit you down and go over some basics of what to expect during your deposition. They will also likely ask you some standard questions so that you can practice reciting your answers. This isn’t done so much to “rehearse” your answers as it is moreso a way for you to get familiar with the line of questions and to review medical reports or injury-related documents ahead of time so that you have all the information needed to provide a great deposition.
Swearing In – On the day of your deposition, both sides will meet and you will be sworn in by the court reporter. They may also ask you some basic questions to establish your identity or your role with the company. Once you have been sworn in and your identity has been established, the court reporter will cease asking questions and continue taking a detailed transcript of the deposition.
Defense Questions – The deposition will really get underway when the attorney representing your employer’s insurance company begins asking questions. They will ask a variety of questions related to your employment history, your current work duties, the accident, your injuries and the impact the incident has had on your life. You are required to answer these questions as truthfully as possible to the best of your ability. If you do not know an answer, do not guess.
Your Lawyer’s Turn – After the insurance company’s attorney has had their turn, your lawyer will be able to ask you some questions. In the event that certain answers need clarification, they want to clear up some misconceptions about an answer or the other attorney failed to ask questions about a specific part of your case that you want on record, this is a good time for your lawyer to help you expand on any areas of your deposition.
Reviewing The Transcript – Finally, after the attorneys are done asking questions, the court reporter will prepare a written transcript of the deposition. Both parties will be able to review this written transcript for any errors or omissions before it becomes officially finalized.
After that, your work is basically over and the lawyer should be able to handle the rest of the major points associated with your claim. Depositions shouldn’t be scary or intimidating, but we understand how they can be if you are not prepared. We pride ourselves on making sure that all of our clients are thoroughly prepared for their workers’ compensation deposition, and we can do the same for you. For more information, or for assistance with any aspect of your injury case, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
