Five Tips for Your Illinois Workers' Compensation Trial
Here are five things to keep in mind if your case is going to trial. Hopefully, you have hired an attorney that you trust, and they are not only competent but experienced and looking out for your best interest. First and foremost, follow their advice.
Dress respectfully This may be the first and only time the judge sees you. First impressions do matter. While you don't have to wear a suit, make sure you dress appropriately. You don't want to give the judge any reason to doubt you
Tell the truth Honesty is important. And often, the judge has seen and heard a lot of cases and can tell whether someone is being completely honest. If you don't understand a question, say you don't understand. If you don't know the answer, say so.
Don't exaggerate your story Tell the judge how you were injured, and how your injuries affect your work and life. But don't exaggerate. This could only end up hurting you in the long run. Don't give the defense attorney a chance to ruin your credibility.
Give short answers Most of the questions the other attorney asks you will be yes or no questions. Keep your responses short. The more information you offer, the more opportunities you give the defense to question you and twist your words around.
Go over everything beforehand Ask your attorney to sit down with you before the trial and go over all his or her questions. Review your answers. Talk about what the other attorney might ask and how you will answer those questions as well.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
