No insurer wants a claim to turn into legal action, but it happens. For adjusters, claims executives and others likely to be deposed as part of a lawsuit, preparation will be key. In the latest Insurance Speak podcast, Aaron Mutnik, a senior litigation attorney with Shelter Insurance, shares some practical insights on how to navigate the process.
"Slow down and don't treat it like a normal conversation," he advises. "Think about the questions and think about your responses."
The truth matters and he recommends putting replies in the correct context. It's okay to answer, "It depends," to a question and then to provide a more complete answer detailing the variables affecting the situation. It's also not unusual for an attorney to ask the same question several different ways, so be aware and consistent in any responses.
With the need for social distancing, virtual depositions are becoming more frequent and while there are some benefits such as time and cost savings, there are also some drawbacks like not having a clear picture of an individual's body language.
For more suggestions on steps to take before and during a deposition, listen to the Insurance Speak podcast here.
Patricia L. Harman
Patricia L. Harman is the editor-in-chief of Claims magazine, a contributing editor to PropertyCasualty360.com, and chairs the annual America's Claims Event (ACE), which focuses on providing claims professionals with cutting-edge education and networking opportunities. She covers auto, property & casualty, workers' compensation, fraud, risk and cybersecurity, and is a frequent speaker at insurance industry events. Contact her at [email protected]