Deposition on thurs, scared, help?

[lpninct]

I am an LPN in CT who was injured on 5/9/09 at work. Workman's comp was paying everything until their neurosurgeon ordered surgery, then they ceased all benefits and got attorneys involved. I have a deposition scheduled for thursday, and I have no idea what I can expect from the workman's comp attorneys. I am scared they will use dirty tactics. My attorney will be there too, but I get nervous easily, does anybody know what the process is like? Can they bring up my medical past? Now workman's comp's position is that I was not even injured at work, but somewhere else, even though there are witnesses and I filed the appropriate incident report. They cut off all my benefits without a hearing, and my attorney is going after them for sanctions (fines?) and attorneys costs... If we win at the emergency hearing, do I get the back cash benefits that they improperly cut off? It's been five weeks without a penny coming in. How can they be so cold blooded?

[Cycler]

You can be assured that you will be asked quite a lot about your past medical history as it pertains to the injured area. While you will certainly be nervous; brief, accurate and to the point statements are the best way to answer their questions. There will be no dirty tricks but you may be asked the same question in different ways so honesty and accuracy is important. Your attorney will brief you before beginning and may raise any number of objections to specific questions, just pause and answer the question. Do not attempt to state anything but the truth and you will do just fine. It's an interesting experience - Have Fun !

[jayne]

mine scared me spitless and it ended up just being a question and answer session if you answer honestly you will be ok..just yes,no and I dont recall...do not lie and do not be afraid to look the other lawyer in the eye.....I was amazed at the fact we were in a conference room at my lawyers office........my lawyer and theirs were talking and laughing before it started and got very serious the minute I was swore in.....If you need a break ask for it as this might take a couple of hours....I asked for several and during the questions I got up and walked around as sitting is something I cant do for long......you will do fine dont worry

[Bummer Knees]

Also had mine in the attorney's conference room.

The other attorney would ask me a question, then a few minutes later ask me the same question in a different way. Then a few minutes later I would be ask the same question again. This was tried several times along with some other trick questions.

Just listen carefully and your attorney will help guide you.

[kate]

You've gotten some great advice. A few other things. Take your time when you answer to give your lawyer a chance to object to the question if they need to. Only answer what you are asked. Do not volunteer anything.

And just as an FYI. When the injured worker's attorney deposes the adjuster, the adjuster is usually just as nervous as you.

It's just question and answer. Nothing to be afraid of. Stick to the truth, don't try to add or give explanations. You'll be just fine.

[Lilly]

Keep your answers brief and to the point. Do not elaborate on anything!
I've never been subjected to any WC hearings...but have done the deposition route..and it was a very laid back setting, with the lawyers asking you questions. I was also VERY nervous....but soon after it started , I calmed down, as it wasn't that scary.
Good luck to you. Lilly

[kate]

In the employee area of this site in Florida is a good list of suggestions for deposition. http://www.workerscompensation.com/regul...ategory=EE

[chrischris]

Here's a good link to explain about what will happen at your deposition.
http://hurtworker.com/english/deposition.htm

I hope everything goes well for you. Don't try and prepare too much ahead of time because it will just stress you out, and that doesn't help. Try to relax, if you can, and do as the others have told you. Take care!

[Still in Limbo]

Unfortunately, I never had a Deposition Taken of Me, I had to testify at 13 of My 15 Hearings in Front of the Judge!! It was Very Easy for Me to Remember, because the Truth Never Changes!! Keep it Simple, Short, and to the Point, and You'll do Fine!!

[lpninct]

Thank you so much for all your replies-- It is the night before the deposition and I am driving my husband completely nuts, lol. Eating chocolate right now. Should I take my prescribed meds tomorrow morning? They might make me a bit fuzzy...
Kate: When does my lawyer get to depose the adjuster? If he does I hope he lets her have it. She was all smiles and agreement until their neurosurgeon recommended the $70,000+ surgery. I guess WC figures it's cheaper to spend $10k on lawyers than $70k on my surgery...