Attorneys object to a lot of questions for a lot of reasons.
In a typical deposition in a personal injury lawsuit, the attorneys don’t ask many improper questions.
Abuse can happen, but the purpose of the victim’s deposition is to let the other side find out important things – how the accident happened, what the victim’s injuries are, and whether there is anything else to blame either the accident or the injuries on.
Most things that the other lawyer wants to know can fit into one of these categories.
My approach? Vigorous objections usually tell the other lawyer that you have something to hide. I don’t make them unless I think the other lawyer is trying to take advantage of my client, or unless I think he’s asking about my client’s private life.
As long as I think my client can handle it, I would rather let the other side see how confident I am in my client’s ability to answer trick questions on his own. But if I have doubts at all, I OBJECT.
A story: about 15 years ago, I had a client who was suing a shopping center for failing to pay fees to his advertising agency. The lawyer for the shopping center took his deposition. The lawyer asked my client – a cocky guy – when he started in the advertising business.
My client – mainly just to establish territory, and back off the lawyer – objected on his own. “What does that have to do with anything? It’s irrelevant!!!”
The lawyer was cowed. He tried to argue with my client, but he couldn’t explain why his question was relevant, and never got an answer.
I didn’t say a word. My client loved it.
Things can be different in a trial. But most judges will allow lawyers to ask all kinds of questions.
I have been a lawyer over 30 years. I protect my clients. If you’ve been injured in an accident, talk with an experienced Cincinnati Personal Injury Attorney about the case. Call me, William Strubbe, at 513-621-4775.
Because all situations are different, and because there may be other facts pertaining to your case that I don’t know about, you should not rely on this answer for legal advice. I am not your attorney, and no lawyer client relationship has been formed.
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