- Depositions or court appearances are not as bad as they seem. It isn’t like an episode of Perry Mason.
- You know more about O&P than anyone else in the room but be humble.
- Whether you are testifying for the defendant or the plaintiff, your testimony and decision-making rationale should always be the same.
- Always give verbal responses to the attorneys’ questions. Don’t shake your head or say yeah or nah.
- Don’t be surprised if questions are repeated.
- Wait for the attorney to finish the question before you begin your answer.
- Just answer what they asked. Don’t go into professor mode.
- If you don’t understand the question or don’t know the answer, say so.
- If you feel they are “coming after you,” say you don’t understand the question, “I’m not sure what you are asking,” or something similar. If it gets really bad, ask to take a bathroom break.
- The attorneys will probably object to some of the questions, but that gets sorted out after the deposition. You can still answer the question.
- The attorney you are working for may ask you to answer in greater detail, but don’t do that for the opposing counsel. Save that for the trial.
To read the article, “The Role of an O&P Expert Witness,” see the March issue on The O&P EDGE website.
