What are some examples of questions I might be asked at my slip and fall deposition?
In a premises liability case, the plaintiff claims an injury was caused by a dangerous condition on the defendant's property that the defendant was responsible for preventing or fixing. The types of dangerous conditions that exist are too numerous to list, but some common examples include loose handrails, spills or debris on a floor, snow or ice on a walkway or stairs, or a trip and fall hazard like a broken or raised sidewalk. A dangerous condition can even be the presence of a foreseeably dangerous person on the property who should have been removed.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of common premises liability deposition questions. Not all questions will apply to your case, and there may be variations on the wording:
- Where/when/how did the accident take place?
- What type of walking surface were you situated on when the accident happened?
- What was the condition of the weather/lighting/walking surface like at the time of the accident?
- What were the lighting conditions at the location where your accident happened?
- What was the condition on the property that caused your injury?
- Could you see the condition that caused your injury?
- How much time elapsed between the time you first saw the condition and the time your accident occurred?
- Did anything prevent you from avoiding the condition?
- What were you doing immediately before the accident?
- Were you walking/running/jogging immediately before the accident?
- Why were you on the premises at the time of the accident?
- Were there any warning signs posted in the area of the accident?
- What type of footwear were you wearing at the time of the accident?
- Were you familiar with the premises prior to your accident?
- Were you with anyone prior to your accident?
- Were you carrying anything in your hands or on your person at the time of the accident?
- When you fell, did you fall forwards, backwards, or to one side or the other?
- Were you under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident?
- Do you know how the condition got on the floor?
- Do you know how long the condition had been on the floor before the accident?
- When you are walking, do you customarily watch where you are walking?
- Why didn't you notice the condition as you were approaching it?
Do you have a personal injury because of a dangerous property in California?
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury because of a dangerous condition of property in California, call us for a free consultation. Our experience and tenacity can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at our Northern California office or toll free.
