If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack and are preparing for a deposition, understanding what to expect can make a major difference in your case. A deposition is a formal legal proceeding where you'll answer questions under oath, and your responses can influence the outcome of your lawsuit.

At Worthington Law Group, we want you to feel confident, prepared, and protected throughout the process. Below are 20 essential guidelines to help you navigate your deposition successfully.

1. Dress and Demeanor Matter

Your appearance and behavior can leave a lasting impression during your deposition.

• Wear professional business attire.

• Be sincere, polite, and likable.

• Avoid making jokes or oversharing personal information.
  
  

2–5. Pause and Think Before You Speak

Always take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering.

• After each question, pause for two seconds before responding.

• Assess whether the question is confusing or misrepresents your previous statement.

• If needed, politely ask for clarification.

• Keep your answers short and direct: “Yes,” “No,” “I don't know,” or “I don't remember.”
  
  

6. Know What Help You Can Expect

Understand your attorney's role during the deposition.

• Your lawyer can object to improper questions but cannot coach you on how to answer.

• You may request breaks if you feel tired, overwhelmed, or need to speak privately with your attorney.
  
  

7–9. Review Your Documents and Stay Focused

Preparation is key to staying confident and composed.

• Review all discovery documents or statements you've signed.

• Never volunteer extra information unless it directly supports your case.

• Stick strictly to the question asked—avoid unnecessary elaboration.
  
  

10–12. Describe Your Injuries and Losses Clearly

When discussing your injuries, use this powerful sentence pattern:

“Before the attack, I could ____, but ever since then, I ____.”

Examples:

• “Before the attack, I could take long walks, but ever since then, I've struggled to walk more than a block.”

• “Before the dog injured my hand, I could work full shifts, but now I can only manage two hours.”
  
  

This phrasing clearly shows how the injury has affected your daily life and supports your claim for compensation.

13–15. Stay Composed and Direct

Keep your emotions and responses under control.

• Don't react emotionally to questions or attorney behavior.

• Avoid accepting blame or making speculative statements.

• Be firm, specific, and clear with your answers.
  
  

16–18. Don't Guess—Be Accurate

Accuracy is critical in a deposition.

• If you don't know or remember something, say so confidently.

• Review any documents before answering questions about them.

• Be ready to estimate time, distance, or frequency only if you can do so reasonably.
  
  

19. Rest and Relax

Being calm and well-rested can help you perform better.

• Get a good night's sleep before your deposition.

• Take deep breaths and stay composed throughout the process.

• Trust that your attorney will guide and protect your interests.
  
  

20. Know the Structure of Your Deposition

If you are the victim—or a parent of a child victim—expect questions covering:

• Your personal background

• The incident details

• Medical treatment and recovery

• Financial and emotional impact

• Visible scars or disabilities

Important Tip: Do not hide your scars. They are a vital part of your story and evidence of the trauma you've endured.

Get Help from Worthington Law Group

At Worthington Law Group, we specialize in dog bite injury cases and understand how to protect your rights during every stage of litigation.

If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, contact us today for a free consultation. We'll help you prepare for your deposition and fight for the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call us: (215) 576-5150
🌐 Visit: www.worthingtonlawgroup.com