Time Limits and Documents – Interrogatories

If your personal injury case is proceeding to a lawsuit there is a process referred to as discovery. An element found within the discovery process is referred to as interrogatories. This article and subsequent ones will discuss time limits and documents for interrogatories and personal injury lawsuits.

“Interrogatories are written questions that are sent by one party to another as part of the pre-trial investigation process called Discovery”. So, discovery the section of interrogatories allows each party to write a list of questions for the other party. Once received, the party responding must submit answers under oath.

Time Limits on Interrogatories

As noted in a previous article, there is a time limit as to when interrogatories should be responded to. If a party does not respond within that time limit you can file a motion to compel responses. This can also be done when the party is raising unfitting objections. However, it is always a good idea to speak or communicate with the person failing to provide responses. And ask them to respond. This may also be required of you, by the court, to communicate with the party not responding. After a motion to compel has been filed with the court, the judge will determine whether the objections are valid. If invalid and the objections are not corrected, the party can be held in contempt of court.

A party may put forward a request for the other party to produce documents that come with the interrogatories. Each party is in their legal right to request this. The request to produce documents along with interrogatories are subject to the same time limits and rules as the interrogatories. While interrogatories are limited to 25 questions, there is generally no limit to the number of requests for documents.

Speak to your attorney to find out more about what happens during the discovery process. Contact the Vinson Law Office today, for a free first consultation.