Suing someone is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Even if your case is a “slam dunk," you will have to put some time and effort into it to make it worthwhile. So, what can you expect to have to do once you file a lawsuit?

Be prepared to be completely open and honest with your attorney, and expect your lawyer to treat you with respect. The attorney-client relationship is a unique bond. You have hired someone to be your champion in battle, your legal sword and shield. But in order to improve your odds of success, you have to share the full story. It can be awkward or embarrassing to let someone who starts out as a complete stranger in on the intimate details of your life, but it is necessary. If you are not 100 percent comfortable with your attorney, or you think they are doing a poor job, you should consider finding a new one to represent you.

• Find the best doctors and focus on healing. The whole reason you are bringing a lawsuit is so that you can get back on your feet, so your No. 1 priority should be finding the best doctors to diagnose and treat your injuries, following those doctors’ orders and to devote as much time and energy as possible to getting well. After the trial is over or the case has been settled, you will not be able to go back and get additional money to cover future medical expenses, so it is critical that all your problems be diagnosed and treated sooner rather than later.
• Get used to visiting the doctor. As your cases progresses, the defendant or the insurance companies involved in the case will likely want to do their own, independent evaluation of your injuries. This is a really common practice, but at Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, we always keep a close watch on this to make sure that our clients aren’t being subjected to unnecessary or unfair medical questioning or testing.
• Be prepared to be deposed. In order to prepare for trial (or work toward a settlement), both sides will conduct depositions. These processes are similar to being called to the witness stand, except that they are usually conducted at a law office or conference room, and no judge is present. The lawyers ask the person being deposed all the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions they can think of so that both sides know all they need to know about the facts of the case. Your attorney will help you prepare for the questions you will be asked when you are going to be deposed.

If you have good attorneys, they are going to be doing the heavy lifting as your case moves forward, but it never hurts to know what is going to be expected of you.

If you or a loved one was injured and needs legal assistance, call Jaroslawicz & Jaros at 212.227.2780 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call to ensure that you do not waive your right to compensation. Or you can email us at ajaros@lawjaros.com.