Discovery tactics to maximize damages

• Author: Jim Wren/Laura Brown
• Pages: 211-240

DISCOVERY TACTICS

TO MAXIMIZE DAMAGES

10-1

CHAPTER 10

DISCOVERY TACTICS

TO MAXIMIZE DAMAGES

I. DEVELOPING THE DISCOVERY PLAN

§10:01 The Importance of the Complete Damages Story

§10:02 Directing Discovery to Support the Damages Story

§10:03 Calendar the Deadlines

§10:04 Use the Case Theme to Guide Admission-Seeking Discovery

§10:05 Use the Initial Damages Model to Fill in the Rest

§10:06 Use a Checklist Chart as an Outline

§10:07 The Value of the Damages Discovery Plan

§10:08 Develop Priorities

II. DEVELOPING THE KEY FACT WITNESSES

§10:20 Connect the Jury With the Plaintiff

§10:21 The Three Phase Approach

§10:22 Find the Best Fact Witnesses

§10:23 Visit the Client and the Client’s Family

§10:24 Visit the Potential Witnesses

§10:25 Interviewing Potential Damages Witnesses

§10:26 Select the Quality Stories

§10:27 Develop the Pivotal Damages Witness

§10:28 Plaintiff’s Treating Doctors

III. DEPOSING YOUR OWN DAMAGES WITNESSES

§10:30 Use Video Depositions for Damages Facts Witnesses

§10:31 Prepare Clients and Witnesses for Deposition

§10:32 Videotape Your Witnesses

§10:33 Videotape the Plaintiff

§10:34 Videotape Your Damages Experts

IV. KEEPING THE DEFENDANT ON DEFENSE

§10:40 Find the Basis for Anger

§10:41 Set Up Damages Issues With Requests for Admission

§10:42 Prioritize Witnesses for Deposition and Know the Goals

§10:43 Use Synchronized Video Depositions

§10:44 Maximize Video Depositions for Impeachment

§10:45 Deposing the Retained Defense Expert

§10:46 Combating the Defense Medical Exam

DISCOVERY TACTICS

TO MAXIMIZE DAMAGES

Proving Damages to the Jury 10-2

V. SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR DAMAGE STORY

§10:50 Importance of Social Media to Your Client’s Damage Story

§10:51 Discuss Social Media Posts Early

§10:52 Take Steps to Avoid Spoliation Issues

§10:53 Potential Preservation Issues Regarding Social Media

§10:54 Relevance of Social Media in Discovery

§10:55 Future Social Media Issues to Keep in Mind

VI. FORMS & SAMPLES

10-1 Sample Checklist Chart