If your personal injury case goes to trial, it may benefit you to learn more about the discovery process and how it may affect your case. Below, we discuss what the discovery process is, why it is important, and the different types of discovery. If you have any questions about this process, do not hesitate to contact the experienced Cincinnati personal injury attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy for more information. We offer a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.
What Is Discovery?
Discovery is the formal process for attorneys and their clients to gather important information about a pending case. This process allows the parties to learn what information the other party has. It also helps reveal important evidence that is present in the case or information that can ultimately lead to impactful evidence in your case. This process is designed to help attorneys prepare for the case and avoid surprises.Why Is Discovery Important To Your Case?
Discovery helps your attorney prepare for the case and gather important information to support it. Some of the information that is discovered could later be used against the other party, or to aid either side as it attempts to reach a settlement.Steps Of The Discovery Process
There are four key actions in the discovery process which include interrogatories, request for documents, request for admissions, and depositions.Interrogatories
Interrogatories provide a straightforward way for attorneys to gather important information about the case. During this stage, one party provides written questions to the other party who must answer each question fully and to the best of his or her knowledge under oath. Common things that are asked in interrogatories include:- Contact information
- Insurance coverage information and limits
- Identity of any expert witnesses who will be called in the case
- Identity of other witnesses who will be called in the case
- Explanation of how the accident occurred
- Identification of other parties who may share responsibility in the case
- Identification of evidence that will be used in the case
- Information about medical treatment received, lost wages and other claimed losses
Request For Documents
This part of the discovery process is when actual evidence is provided to the other parties by request. Generally, a party may respond to these requests by objecting to them, providing copies of the documents or allowing the other party to review the documents and make their own copies. Requested documents may include:- Medical records, doctor’s notes and other treatment records
- Medical bills
- Employment records indicating time lost from work
- Damage reports
- Pictures or video of the accident scene and injuries
- Police or accident reports
