If your case is going to court, it is essential to understand how you should generally behave during a workers’ compensation case.
No one ever wants their workers’ comp case to go to court, but it is important to know how to behave if it does. Many things can happen in court, and if you are unprepared, you could make mistakes that could cost you the case. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how to behave in court during a workers’ compensation case.
Dress Appropriately
Appearance equals message. This may seem far-fetched, but it’s true. Judges and juries are humans and often respond, react and make decisions based on what they see. So when you walk into court dressed appropriately and carrying yourself with confidence, you are letting the judge know that you respect their time and this case is important to you. Conversely, if you come in wearing shorts or looking like you just rolled out of bed, you could be sending the message that you don’t care about the case.
Be On-Time
Punctuality is crucial in court. Though most people are aware of this, it’s still important to mention. Judges expect all parties to be on time for their hearings, and if you are not, it will generally reflect poorly on you.
Be Respectful
When you are in court, you should always be respectful to the judge and anyone else involved in the case. This includes opposing counsel, witnesses, and court staff. This is likely the most important thing on this list.
If you are disrespectful, it will reflect poorly on you and could, in some instances, result in the judge holding you in contempt of court.
Listen Carefully
One of the most important things you can do in court is to listen carefully to what everyone is saying. Not paying attention could lead to mistakes that could cost you the case. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
Don’t Speak Out of Turn
There is a specific order of who gets to speak in court and when. Wait your turn and only speak when it’s your turn. If you try to speak out of turn, you likely be interrupted by the judge, and it will not reflect well on you.
Be Honest
It is important to always be honest in court. This includes being honest with the judge, opposing counsel, and witnesses. If you are caught in a lie, it could cost you the case.
Don’t Get Angry
Anger is never helpful in court. If you get angry, it could cause the judge and opposing counsel to view you as emotional and unstable. Instead, stay calm and collected at all times.
Be Prepared
One of the best things you can do to ensure a successful court appearance is to be prepared. This means knowing the facts of your case inside and out and being familiar with the judge’s rulings in similar cases. It’ll show the court that you take this case seriously if you are prepared.
Bring Documentation
If you have any documentation related to your case, bring it to court with you. This could include employment records, medical reports, eyewitness statements, or anything else that could help your case.
These are just a few tips on how to act in court. To ensure your legal rights are protected, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. They will have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process and help you make the best possible impression in court.
St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, we have a proven track record of over 25 years protecting the rights of injured Missouri workers. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation to learn more about protecting your legal rights after a work-related injury.