Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Deposition
A deposition is a legal proceeding where the attorney representing the employer and insurance company is allowed to ask you questions that you have to answer under oath. It is typically held at your lawyers office, but in certain circumstances it will be held at other locations. At the time of the deposition, a court reporter will be present to take down all of the questions and all of your responses. You should always have an attorney present to represent you in a deposition if it is your case.
The purpose of a deposition is for the employer and insurer to learn any information that is, or may be, relevant to your Minnesota workers compensation claim. Because of this, the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Courts allow a good deal of latitude in the types of questions that are asked. In order for you to be prepared for those questions, you should take time to recollect the following areas to the best of your ability:
1. Past education history.
2. Past employment history.
3. Past medical history.
4. Injury job description.
5. Chronological history of the effects of your work related injury, including the type of treatment provided; the type of rehabilitation assistance received any job search efforts that you have made, etc.
6. Description of current symptoms.
7. General statistical data.
You should be present at the location of the deposition prior to its scheduled starting time, so that you have an opportunity to run through your deposition with your attorney.
Since the deposition is not taken in an actual courtroom, nor is a Judge present, it is not necessary to dress formally. You may dress casually. Be courteous with the other attorney and the court reporter.
