Preparing for Trial and Appeal

• Author: Michael J. Morse
• Pages: 685-826

CHAPTER 10

Preparing for Trial and Appeal

I. Voir Dire

A. Introduction

§ 10:10 Overview

§ 10:20 Number of Jurors

§ 10:30 Checklist

§ 10:31 Jury Chart

§ 10:32 Juror Challenge Form

§ 10:33 Motion to Increase Number of Peremptory Challenges

B. Tactical Considerations

§ 10:40 Connective Tissue Injuries

§ 10:41 Low Impact Cases

§ 10:50 Juror Characteristics

§ 10:60 Objecting to Voir Dire

C. Learning about Potential Jurors

§ 10:70 Introduction

§ 10:80 Sample Juror Questionnaire

§ 10:90 Voir Dire Questions

§ 10:100 Asking Voir Dire Questions

§ 10:101 Litigation Psychology and Trial Consultants

§ 10:102 Sample Voir Dire Questions: Demonstrating Juror Bias

§ 10:103 Voir Dire Questions: Cases Against Insurance Companies

§ 10:104 Voir Dire Questions: Auto Cases Generally

D. Methods of Jury Selection

§ 10:110 Traditional Method

§ 10:120 Struck Method

E. Challenging Jurors

§ 10:130 Challenges for Cause

§ 10:140 Peremptory Challenges

II. Opening Statement

A. Goals

§ 10:150 Introduction

§ 10:160 Establish Credibility

§ 10:170 Introduce Case

§ 10:180 Establish Theme

§ 10:181 Persuading the Jury Using Words and Imagery

§ 10:190 Educate Jury

LITIGATING NECK AND BACK INJURIES

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10-2

B. Special Problems

§ 10:200 Demonstrative Evidence

§ 10:210 Objections

§ 10:220 Avoiding Promises

C. Sample Opening Statements

§ 10:230 Plaintiff

§ 10:240 Defense

§ 10:241 Checking for Opening Statements

§ 10:242 Objections to Opening Statements

§ 10:243 Checklist for Opening Statement Objections

III. Presenting Evidence

A. Introduction

§ 10:250 Plaintiff’s Case

§ 10:260 Winning Over the Jurors

§ 10:260.1 Ways to Sensitize the Jury to a Plaintiff’s Pain

§ 10:261 Checklist for Direct Examination of Plaintiff

§ 10:270 Using Computers at Trial

§ 10:271 SafeStat and USDOT Safety Ratings

B. Pretrial Evidentiary Rulings

§ 10:280 Pretrial Conference

§ 10:290 Motions in Limine

§ 10:290.10 Delayed Rulings

§ 10:290.20 Preserving Appellate Rights

§ 10:291 Foundations

§ 10:292 Exhibits

C. Testimonial Evidence

1. Plaintiff

§ 10:300 Introduction

§ 10:310 Plaintiffs Who Are Poor Witnesses

§ 10:320 Using Personal Injury Diary

§ 10:330 Using Demonstrative Evidence

§ 10:340 Using Third Party Testimony

2. Defendant

§ 10:350 Introduction

§ 10:360 Tactical Considerations

§ 10:361 Cross Examination Techniques for Defendant

3. Lay Witnesses

§ 10:370 Introduction

§ 10:380 Spouses and Children

§ 10:390 Cross-Examination

4. Expert Witnesses

§ 10:400 Introduction

§ 10:410 Cross-Examination

§ 10:411 Checklist for Defense Cross Examination

n PREPARING FOR TRIAL AND APPEAL

10-3

§ 10:412 Using the Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent

Impairment to Cross Examine Experts

§ 10:420 Physicians

§ 10:420.10 Direct Examination

§ 10:420.20 Cross-Examination

§ 10:420.21 Methods to Cross Examine the Biomechanical

Engineer

§ 10:420.22 Biomechanical Engineers versus Medical

Doctors

§ 10:420.23 Jury Perception of Expert Witnesses

§ 10:420.30 Direct Examination of Treating Physician

§ 10:420.40 Cross-Examination of Treating Physician

§ 10:420.50 Form: Cross-Examination of Defense Medical

Examiner

§ 10:430 Psychiatrists

§ 10:440 Physiatry

§ 10:450 Chiropractors

§ 10:460 Economists

§ 10:461 Accountants

§ 10:470 Human Factors Engineers

§ 10:471 Forensic Biomechanics and Unwitnessed Falling Accidents

§ 10:472 Forensic Application/Computer Simulation of Falls

§ 10:480 Clinical Neuropsychologists

§ 10:481 Refuting Common Defenses in Brain Injury Cases

§ 10:482 Proving Personality and Memory Changes Caused by

Traumatic Brain Injury

5. Videotaped Testimony

§ 10:490 Introduction

§ 10:500 Objections

§ 10:510 Impeachment

§ 10:520 Taxing Costs

§ 10:530 Pretrial Challenges

§ 10:540 Trial Challenges

§ 10:550 Checklist

D. Non-testimonial Evidence

1. Demonstrative Evidence

§ 10:560 Introduction

§ 10:570 Finding and Using Demonstrative Evidence

2. Demonstrations, Tests and Experiments

§ 10:580 Introduction

§ 10:590 Videotapes

3. Viewing Scene

§ 10:600 Introduction

§ 10:610 Preparation

4. Videotape Evidence

§ 10:620 Introduction

§ 10:630 Admissibility