Discovery” is the legal term for gathering information after a lawsuit is filed. Both sides have tools to request information from each other, and there are strict rules and deadlines that apply (Rules 4:0 through 4:12 of the Supreme Court of Virginia). One of the first steps will be Interrogatories (written questions) and Requests forn Production of Documents from the defendant. Your responses to these are due within 21 days, and we will work closely with you to prepare them. The Six Main Discovery Tools in a Personal Injury Case:
- Interrogatories – Written questions you must answer under oath. We’ll draft the responses together, but the answers must be accurate and truthful.
- Requests for Production – Written requests to provide documents or other evidence. You are required to produce everything that applies. If new documents are found later, we can update (supplement) the responses.
- Requests for Admission – Requests to admit or deny specific facts. These are often used to narrow down issues that are not in dispute.
- Subpoenas Duces Tecum – Legal orders to non-parties (such as doctors or employers) to provide records or other documents. For example, the defense
may subpoena your medical records. - Depositions – In-person or virtual sessions where a witness is asked questions by an attorney, and the answers are given under oath, recorded by a court reporter.
- Physical or Mental Evaluations – In some cases, the court may require you to be examined by a healthcare provider chosen by the defense.
We will guide you through each of these steps, prepare you in advance, and protect your rights throughout the process. If you have any questions, please call me directly at 804-464-7719 or schedule a phone conference here.