Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer http://www.ChesterLaw.com 800-218-4243 What is discovery in an Ohio personal injury lawsuit?
Video by David M. Chester Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer
Discovery is the process of exchanging information between parties to a lawsuit.
Once settlement negotiations break down, a complaint is filed with the court, an answer if filed by the other party, called the defendant, and then discovery begins.
The judge determines how long discovery will last. In discovery, both parties will ask written questions of each other, called interrogatories.
These questions ask basic things such as where you live, if it's an accident case, were you hurt, where you treated, have you been hurt before, have you treated before for similar injuries, etc.
(Note: This video can also be seen on the Chester Law website at http://www.chesterlaw.com/video/what-is-discover-in-an-ohio-personal-injury-lawsuit.cfm.
Questions to the defendant in a car accident case may include was he drinking, has he been convicted of a felony before, does he take medication that would have impaired his driving, does he wear glasses, prior traffic tickets, accidents, etc.
Both parties are trying to get information they can use at trial to their advantage.
Plaintiff wants to know if defendant has a history of causing car accidents, while defendant wants to show plaintiff had prior injuries, or was not hurt, or over treated, etc.
Lawyers for both sides can object to any questions they feel are improper and if there is a real issue the court gets involved on the discovery issue.
Discovery also usually includes asking oral questions under oath of both parties, witnesses, experts, etc., called a deposition.
Doctors who treated you may also be asked questions.
This video on Ohio personal injury lawsuits entitled
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