Has anyone ever been sued?

LegacyUser

Hello

I am due in court in about 2 weeks relating to an incident. Basically an act of vandalism detroyed property of the company I work for.The fire also damaged neighbouring property.( very small amoubnt of damage) Insurance is refusing to pay out for the neighbours damage. So, they are suing and I will be a witness. What should I expect on the day.I am very anxious. Even though we are telling the truth I am worried the lies of the other party will be believed.There is nothing we could have done to prevent what happened.

I am just wondering will it take place in a court room?

Will there be a judge?

Will the cross questioning be aggressive?

Thanks

Victor

Can I suggest you talk to your side's solicitor beforehand and explain to him how you are feeling? Ask him what court sitting you could go along to so you have some experience of the environment beforehand.

Unregistered wrote: »

I am just wondering will it take place in a court room?

Presumably.

Will there be a judge?

Yes.

Will the cross questioning be aggressive?

That depends, but TV-style histrionics are rare.

JonathanAnon

I see why you might be nervous. I have a small bit of experience of the court system in the last few months, and it does help to just go in to the public court and watch a few of the cases to learn the protocol. Like was said in the previous posting, the company (since you are testifying on their behalf) should at least provide you with someone to talk to about this. You should have your story prepared before you go in, even though you are telling the truth.

You need to know what you are likely to be questioned on. The lawyer for the other side is definitely gonna try to rip your story to shreds ... that is their job. You just need to run over you testimony a few times with someone and speak assuredly, directly and unwaveringly when you respond. AND take your time answering questions. Ask to repeat the question if you need to buy yourself time.

Good luck.

LegacyUser

I was in court years ago - barrister gave me one bit of advice:

"Tell the truth..... once they catch you lying about one thing, your credibility is gone".

anonymous_joe

The counsels and solicitors involved (as well as the judge) will all be very aware that many people are highly nervous in these situations.

I would suggest you calmly go through in your own head what happened. Just practice saying it or something, so that you can get through it calmly.

Also, mention it to solicitor/barrister.

[Jackass]

If all else fails, tell them they can't handle the truth.

westburygirl

[Jackass] wrote: »

If all else fails, tell them they can't handle the truth.

+ 1
or answer every question with, ' that would be an ecumenical matter' !

Peewee_lane

Please just relax on the day. A judge will have copious experience when determing whether or not the witness is telling the truth or not.

Good luck, no lying or exaggerating, tell it like it is.